Sunday November 8, 2009
Sunny respite in last 24 hours may be ‘calm before storm’
KUALA TERENGGANU: There was a slight respite in the flood situation over the past 24 hours in Kelantan and Terengganu, but weather experts have cautioned of a “calm before the storm”.
An anticipated violent movement of Siberian winds across the South China Sea any time between mid-November and early December will trigger off another wave of thunderstorms leading to massive floods in the east-coast states.
Kelantan/Terengganu Meteorological Department director Azemi Daud said at least two more severe bouts of rain are forecast to hit the east coast states before January.
“The velocity of the wind would determine the volume of rainfall in this part of the peninsula,” he told The Star yesterday.
Amphibious: Motorists risking the flooded streets of Rantau Panjang Saturday, whereas, 4WDs serve as an alternative means of transport. Azemi said there would be “lesser devastation” if the wind weakened while passing the Asian region but the weather would turn for the worse if the winds picked up speed.
Asked if the volume of rainfall was expected to be higher this year compared to the previous monsoon periods, Azemi said weather conditions during this monsoon season would be influenced by the formation of low pressure areas at the South China Sea which would bring about intermittent rains and thunderstorms.
He said the weather was predicted to be fine for the next few days but heavy downpours could be expected anytime.
The sunny skies yesterday brought cheer to local folk, especially the flood evacuees.
About 650 out of the 3,010 evacuees in the state were still seeking temporary shelter at relief centres in four districts in the state. In Kota Baru, there was no rain over the past 24 hours but residents were still bracing for the worst.
Their greatest worry was that incessant rainfall in the southern areas would eventually end up in the state capital – via Sungai Kelantan.
Wading depth: People have no choice but to wade through knee-deep water at Kg Paloh while children typically frolic. The Kelantan river flows along the fringes of the town and floods low-lying areas whenever the river bursts its banks.
Resident Wong Kee Fong, 55, said he remembered a situation in 2004 when almost the entire town was inundated although there was no rainfall.
“I remember the river burst its banks at about 3am and it caught my family and me by surprise.
“The water rose so fast that we could not do anything,” said Wong, who lives at Pasar Kubang Pasu, an area that would be the first to be hit if the river overflows.
A Kelantan flood operations control centre spokesman said the number of flood victims at evacuation centres increased to 2,225 people from 845 yesterday.
Among the roads still closed to vehicles are Jalan Tanah Merah-Kusial, Pasir Mas-Kubang Rambutan, Rantau Panjang, Pohon Tanjung (old Rantau Panjang road) and Jalan Pasir Mas in Kampung Panglima Bayu.
Related Story:
Kelantan fans cause havoc at Malaysia Cup final against Negri
News Poll
- Lau sought psychiatrist’s help after death of fan’s dad
- Teacher held for oral sex on Year Two girl
- Najib works his charm at Apec leaders meeting and garners top marks
- Prime Minister comes up with plan to end crisis in MCA
- The Star wins award for third year
- Police shoot dead leader of ‘Berong Gang’
- Settle RM57, 5As pupil told High scorer can’t collect result slip
- Ong’s political secretary resigns
- Australian court sentences Malaysian who posed as taxi driver
- Six members from Umno division held by MACC
- Teacher held for oral sex on Year Two girl
- Third World mentality a real bane
- New developments in old Shanghai
- Education for the real world
- The invisible elephant
- EPF did its part even before complaint made
- Obamas brace for battle on health care reform
- Take care of yourself first
- Making a name in international sports
- SMS from readers
RSS
