Kota Bharu Residents Keep Vigil Over Rising Sungai Kelantan Level

KOTA BHARU, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Kota Bharu residents are keeping vigil througout the night to monitor the water level of Sungai Kelantan at Tambatan D’Raja, fearing that it might overflow and paralyse the city centre.

Over the past few days, people have gathered at this popular tourist spot overlooking the Sungai Kelantan, recording videos and sharing updates on their social media platforms.

One resident, Nasrol Rosli, 25, said last night marked his third night at the site, observing the river level, and he plans to continue monitoring it nightly until the weather improves.

“It has been raining for several days, causing floods in many areas. My friends and I come here every night to keep watch until morning and we will notify the authorities if the situation worsens.

“My house in Kampung Cina is not flooded, but I try to come here daily to keep track of the river’s water level,” he told Bernama.

Another resident, Mahriz Afandi, 36, said even though the Civil Defence Force (APM) has a station to monitor the water level at Tambatan D’Raja, he prefers to see the flood situation for himself.

“The area around my home in Pasir Tumbuh is already flooded, but my house is still safe. I’ll continue to stay here as I am not working on Fridays and Saturdays,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Bernama survey this morning found that despite the continuous downpour, people are still flocking to Tambatan D’Raja with floodwaters reaching a height of about 0.5 metres (m)

Strong winds also did not deter locals from coming to observe the situation, with some bringing their children, who were seen playing in the floodwaters.

According to the publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my website, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) noted that as of 9 pm today, Sungai Kelantan at Tambatan D’Raja had risen to which is 5.53 m, breaching the danger level of 5 m.

On Wednesday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a warning on continuous torrential rain at a dangerous level until today for Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as the districts of Kuantan and Jerantut in Pahang.

-- BERNAMA