Heavy rains in North Malaysia have forced dozens of families to settle in flood relief centers while waiting for the tide to recede. Already falling on the stairs, households must have been affected because they were flooded and washed away by heavy water. This is a problem that will become increasingly chronic with worsening climate change.
Ichijo Komuten, a Japanese construction firm is now offering their floodproof homes to interested customers. The houses built are equipped with four flood defense systems. The first system closes all floor ventilation holes used in Japan. When the water rises the hole will be closed before it can enter the house space.
Next is a valve that prevents water from entering the house through the toilet, kitchen and bathroom sewage pipes. The valve only allows water to flow one way and when a flood occurs it will close automatically due to the flow of flood water from outside.
Next is the glass on the doors and windows which have laminated construction to withstand high water pressure. The frame is also reinforced to prevent leakage or detachment from the wall.
The last stage of defense is that the house will float with there anchors that prevent it from being swept away from the site. Four strong pillars were built with the structure of the house moving upwards according to the height of the water.
All electrical systems, clean water lines, sewage and air conditioners are also placed higher and connected directly to the house so that there is no issue it needs to be repaired after the water recedes. With Malaysia still looking East, perhaps this is a technology that can be used for those living in flood risk areas.