COASTAL areas in Selangor will be on high alert as high tides are expected over the weekend.
Tides of up to 5.5m are expected at 5.52am on Friday (Sept 29), 5.7m high at 6.31am on Sept 30 and at 7.07am on Oct 1 while on Oct 2, the tide will be at 5.6m at 7.38am, with a possibility of flash floods if it coincides with heavy rain during that time.
The National Hydrographic Centre in Port Klang said the high tide phenomenon was forecasted for early mornings during the four days.
Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station chief Razif Mohamad Haris said flooding could occur if there was continuous rain coinciding with the high tide.
He advised those living near rivers and coastal areas to be vigilant, especially if it rained continuously.
“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,” he said.
Areas particularly vulnerable to the high tide phenomenon in Klang are 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 and Pesisir Pantai Tanjung Sepat as well as Pesisir Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang.
In Sabak Bernam, the areas at risk are Tebuk Mendeling, Sungai Ayer Tawar and Sungai Panjang as well as Tanjung Karang, Kampung Kuantan, Pantai Remis and Pekan Sungai Buloh in Kuala Selangor.
Razif reminded residents in high-risk areas to follow instructions issued by the authorities in the event of flash floods.
“People living near rivers should avoid boating activities and fishing trips along the coastline,” he said.
He added firemen were on high alert and prepared to handle any disaster.
“Bunds built along Jalan Tepi Sungai, Klang and Kampung Tok Muda Mile 5 in Jalan Kapar should be able to hold back the water,” he said.
Klang Fire and Rescue Department headquarters has three stations —at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Taman Seri Andalas and Sungai Pinang in Jalan Kapar.
The Klang District Civil Defence, Klang police, Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and district office said they would be prepared for any emergency.
Selangor’s Drainage and Irrigation Department has been monitoring bunds along the rivers.
MPK’s acting deputy president Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin said its Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) has been asked to watch out for bund breaches or heavy flow in rivers and canals at areas that faced floods during previous high tides.
MPK’s closed-circuit television camera unit, which monitors traffic, will also look out for flash floods and the council will liaise with the Fire and Rescue Services Department as well as the Civil Defence Department to activate rescue missions.
Zaireezal encouraged residents to fill an emergency bag with documents and essential items like mineral water, medical kit and clothes.
