A Watch Tower In Kg Batu 14 For Early Flood Warning

GUA MUSANG, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- A lofty idea indeed, as an enterprising resident of Kampung Batu 14 here built a watch tower to monitor Sungai Galas, as the north-east monsoon is now hitting the country.

Mohamad Othman, 53, said the lookout tower, which he built a year ago, is to warn those living far from flood-warning sirens.

"I took the initiative to build a tower and an attic from wood and zinc five metres high to save myself and my home valuables during the monsoon season. In this village, there are 70 residents from 14 families. When the (Sungai Galas) water level rises, we will get a warning to act and not suffer losses from floods," he said when met in the village here today.

He said his house is sited near the edge of Sungai Galas, and an attic comes in handy to store household goods, adding that he lost over RM5,000 in a previous flood.

Othman said if the rains last up to two days, residents will take turns sleeping in the tower to look out for the river bursting its bank.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the village development and security committee, Aluwi Muda, said the watch tower gives everyone advanced warning to move household items and vehicles to higher ground.

"Our village is surrounded every time it floods, so people here appreciate Othman's brainwave of an early warning," he added.

-- BERNAMA