Double whammy: Heavy rain and high tide
Peninsular Malaysia will have to brace for heavy rain and high tide over the next few days.
In a statement late last night, the Coastal Management Division of the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) warned that the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia will experience high tide from today until Wednesday.
The DID said that although the tide is expected to be lower than the last major tide in November, adverse weather conditions can result in coastal flooding and flash floods.
Peninsular Malaysia will have to brace for heavy rain and high tide over the next few days.
In a statement late last night, the Coastal Management Division of the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) warned that the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia will experience high tide from today until Wednesday.
The DID said that although the tide is expected to be lower than the last major tide in November, adverse weather conditions can result in coastal flooding and flash floods.
"The public is advised to be aware of weather conditions. Should heavy rain and tide occur at once, they must be prepared to relocate to a safe place and heed instructions from the authorities," said the DID.
High-risk areas, according to the DID, are Kuala Muda in Kedah; Bagan Datoh in Perak; Klang, Kuala Langat, Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor in Selangor; and Batu Pahat and Pontian in Johor.
Incidentally, the Metrological Department today issued a "continuous heavy rain (danger)" warning today for Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian and Johor Bahru.
Severe heavy rain is also expected in various parts of Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and Sabah until tomorrow.
Thousands of Malaysians throughout the country are currently seeking shelter after their homes were flooded after weeks of bad weather.
As of this morning, Pahang, Johor, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan had the most evacuees, according to The Star.
According to the DID, several rivers are at a critical level affecting the areas of Lipis, Bera, Maran, Jerantut, Kuala Krau, Segamat, Tangkak, Jempol, Kuala Pilah and Batu Hampar.
Meanwhile, Environment and Water Ministry secretary-general Zaini Ujang said that the short-term action involved preparations for flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas in Batu Pahat such as Parit Johar and Jalan Sultanah.
He said this included ensuring that all six flood-control gates function properly and no sediments and rubbish clog the drainage system.
“The DID has also built barriers using sandbags and carried out sediment suction along the underground drains in Jalan Sultanah,” he said in a statement today.
High tide is expected to occur in Batu Pahat from today to Jan 5 and flash flooding can happen if the high tide coincides with heavy downpour that can result in drainage systems getting congested.
Zaini said the department also took the first step by constructing a 200m embankment from Parit Lapis to Taman Nira last year to prevent overflow of Sungai Batu Pahat into the area around Taman Nira, Batu Pahat.
“Residents living near coastal areas and major rivers are advised to be on alert and follow the latest developments including warnings issued by the authorities as well as ensure the drainage system near homes is always maintained to facilitate water flow,” he said.
For more information on the current water level status of rivers nationwide, the public can visit the website or through the MyPublicInfoBanjir application.
