High tide phenomenon hits four states

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 -- The high tide phenomenon began in Kedah, Perak, Selangor and Johor late last night, causing overflow at several areas, including villages.

 As expected earlier by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage last Sunday, the situation would continue in the states for four days begining from yesterday (Nov 4).

The department also warned that the phenomenon would be made worse if strong winds, huge waves and heavy rain were to occur simultaneously, in addition to the risk of flash floods, seawater overflow and coastal flooding.

In KEDAH, water began to rise in several areas especially in Kuala Kedah at about 11.30pm yesterday, causing water to overflow at village and market areas. However the waters receded soon afterwards.

State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations and Rescue Division assistant director Mohamadul Ehsan Mohd Zain said the high tide is expected to be at its highest at 1.17am tomorrow and the areas at risk would continue to be monitored, especially in Kuala Kedah, Yan, Jerlun and Kuala Muda.

"We reckon that the flood situation in the state will worsen, especially the river bank and estuary areas  and victims are expected to be evacuated following the high tide until next Tuesday," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.

A check by Bernama at Seberang Kota market in Kuala Kedah this afternoon found the impact of the water overflow from midnight yesterday was still visible, but the residents and traders in the area were not affected.

A dry goods trader Chempa Ladun, 41, said the high tide overflow last night came slowly and the water receded in no time.

"The overflow is a yearly occurence at the  fisherman's market area and we have made early preparation by packing up the goods before the high tide hit last night," she said.

In PERAK, the high tide phenomenon occurred as high as over one metre at about 4.30am today, causing water to overflow and the low-lying settlements areas along Sungai Perak in Teluk Intan to be inundated in 0.3 metres of water.

A Hilir Perak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat spokesman said 12 areas in the district were affected by the phenomenon but the water began to recede at 7am today and no one has been evacuated so far.

The affected areas were Kampung Sungai Kerawai; Kampung Terengganu; Pekan Teluk Intan; Kampung Esso; Kampung Pisang, Batak Rabik; Ban Taman Maharani; Lorong Kalat Batak Rabit; Batu 6 Jalan Maharajalela; Taman Muhibbah Batu 6; Taman Desa Aman; Kampung Batak Rabik and Lorong Masjid Kampung Bahagia.

"The Malaysian Civil Defence Force is constantly monitoring the affected areas but we fear the situation will worsen if there is heavy rain and should the embankment burst," he said.

In SELANGOR, the situation along the coastline is still under control as integrated monitoring  by several Fire and Rescue Stations in collaboration with  other disaster agencies were carried out  from 4.30 am to 7.30 am today.

Selangor JBPM Operations Division assistant director Hafisham Mohd Noor said the areas being monitored include Pulau Ketam Jetty, Sementa Jetty, Sritama Jetty, Sri Tanjung Jetty, Sepakat Jetty, Sirip Biru Jetty, Pengkalan Nelayan Kg. Tok Muda Kapar, Pengkalan Sg Keramat and Kampung Ban Pecah.

"The tide is above normal level,  the houses nearest are still safe, things are under control, no floods with no evacuees and the water began to recede at 7 am," he said in a statement today.

In JOHOR, the state JBPM will focus on patrolling, to be on the lookout for the high tide in populated areas along the coast of several districts including Batu Pahat, Pontian, Mersing, Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi and Muar.

Johor JBPM director Datuk Yahaya Madis said all Fire and Rescue Stations have been instructed to be on stand by to carry out  patrol throughout the high tide phenomenon period.

"They must be prepared in terms of manpower and assets to provide assistance to local residents in the event of a flood that requires victims to be evacuated," he told Bernama.

-- BERNAMA