Malaysia prepares for second wave of floods

MALAYSIA is on alert for an expected second wave of floods today, triggered by high tide.

The Meteorological Department yesterday issued a red alert warning on the prospect of heavy rain in north Johor.

It said moderate and occasionally heavy rain was expected in north Johor from late yesterday until today.

The red alert warning – the highest in the series of colour- coded weather alerts – is issued when heavy and widespread monsoon rains are expected to persist for several hours.

This phenomenon can cause floods in low-lying and riverine areas besides resulting in swift water currents.

The department also issued an orange alert for areas in south Johor and south Pahang. This second-highest warning is issued when moderate monsoon rain is forecast for several hours, with wind speed at 50kmh-60kmh.

The second wave of floods is expected to start today and get progressively worse until Dec 26. High tide is expected to hit 3.7m from 3.4m during the first wave of floods on Dec 10, with wind speed at 40kmh-50kmh.

The department's corporate communications director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the high tide phenomenon would hit Peninsular Malaysia's east coast and west Sarawak especially hard.

He said strong wind and choppy seas in the peninsula's east coast, Sarawak and west Sabah, including Labuan, are forecast to persist until Dec 29.

These conditions pose a danger to small boats, recreational activities and sea sports.

'I advise people to be extra careful on the sea and closely follow latest developments in weather conditions,' he said.

Sea water level in and around Johor during normal tide is about 2m.

He said the moderate rain now concentrated in south and east Johor and in north and south Pahang is expected to last until tomorrow, with the possibility of spreading to north Johor.

'Fine weather and less rain are expected in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu,' he said.

BERNAMA