Was bad weather, poor build quality or something else to blame for the NKVE sinkhole?
A sinkhole has appeared along the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) following heavy rainfall on the morning of yesterday, 12 November. The sudden emergence of the sinkhole has caused significant disruption to traffic in the affected area, as authorities work to assess the damage and mitigate further risks. So what happened here?
PLUS Malaysia Bhd, the highway concessionaire, confirmed that the sinkhole formed along the southbound stretch of the NKVE, specifically at KM19.6, between the Kota Damansara and Damansara exits. As a precautionary measure, both the left lane and the emergency lane on the affected stretch have been closed off to ensure the safety of motorists.
Moreover, this closure has led to traffic congestion, as drivers are forced to navigate the remaining lanes, slowing down the usual flow of vehicles. In response to the ongoing weather conditions, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a warning earlier today, predicting that severe weather conditions will persist until at least 1 p.m.
The warning includes continued thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, which are expected to affect several regions across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Areas such as Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Klang, Gombak, and Petaling in Selangor, along with Kuala Lumpur itself, are all under alert as adverse weather is likely to continue throughout the afternoon.
On top of that, the heavy rain that triggered the sinkhole is also part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of the region. These severe weather conditions are often linked to the southwest monsoon season, which can bring intense rainfall and cause localised flooding. So for those wondering, the main reason behind this sinkhole was indeed the scary weather.
With the forecast indicating further downpours and strong winds, authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when travelling and to stay updated on weather alerts. The situation on the NKVE remains fluid, with ongoing assessments to determine the extent of the sinkhole and whether any structural damage has been caused to the highway.
Motorists are advised to avoid the affected section of the highway if possible and to take alternative routes to minimise delays. The authorities are working diligently to restore normal traffic flow and ensure public safety, while also monitoring the impact of the continuing storms across the region.
