Coastal areas in Selangor are being put on high alert due to the expected high tides over the weekend. The National Hydrographic Centre in Port Klang has forecasted tides of up to 5.5m at 5.52am on Friday (Sept 29), 5.7m at 6.31am on Sept 30 and at 7.07am on Oct 1, and 5.6m at 7.38am on Oct 2. The combination of heavy rain and the high tides could potentially cause flash floods in the affected areas.
Razif Mohamad Haris, Chief of Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station, stated that flooding may occur if there is continuous rainfall coinciding with the high tides and advised residents living near rivers and coastal areas to be cautious, especially during continuous rain. He also said, “The hydrographic centre forecasted that the high tide level should not breach the bunds. If water goes over them, it may just flow into scupper drains.”
Areas in Klang that are particularly vulnerable to the high tide phenomenon include Taman Melawis, Kampung Delek, Sungai Udang, Pengkalan Tok Muda, 4th Mile of Jalan Kapar, Bund Sementa, Port Klang, Jalan Pandamaran Banting, and Taman Selat Damai in Pendamar, Port Klang. In Kuala Langat, the vulnerable areas are Morib, Pantai Kelanang, Pesisir Pantai Tanjung Sepat, and Pesisir Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang. In Sabak Bernam, the areas at risk are Tebuk Mendeling, Sungai Ayer Tawar, Sungai Panjang, Tanjung Karang, Kampung Kuantan, Pantai Remis, and Pekan Sungai Buloh in Kuala Selangor.
Residents in high-risk areas have been reminded by Razif to follow instructions given by the authorities in case of flash floods. He advised for people living near rivers to avoid boating activities and fishing trips along the coastline. He also reassured that the firemen are on high alert and prepared for any disaster.
The Klang District Civil Defence, Klang police, Klang Municipal Council (MPK), and district office have stated that they will be prepared for any emergency. The Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department has been monitoring the bunds along the rivers. MPK’s acting deputy president, Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin, has instructed the Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) to be vigilant for any bund breaches or heavy flow in rivers and canals in areas that have faced floods during previous high tides. The MPK’s closed-circuit television camera unit, responsible for monitoring traffic, will also keep an eye out for flash floods and coordinate rescue missions with the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the Civil Defence Department.
Residents are encouraged by Zaireezal to prepare an emergency bag containing important documents and essential items such as mineral water, a medical kit, and clothes.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
