Haikal (left) briefs his staff on how to handle the aluminium boat in the event of a flash flood. — Photo: KK SHAM/ The Star
COASTAL communities living along Port Klang, Selangor are advised to stay alert and prepare for unusually high tides expected to hit the area from Oct 17 to 20.
The National Hydrographic Centre has forecast peak tides reaching up to 5.8m during this period, particularly in the early morning hours.
Concerns have been raised about potential flash floods if heavy rain coincides with the high tides.
Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station chief Haikal Jammy Ngali said the authorities are prepared to respond to any emergencies.
The highest tides are anticipated on Oct 18, with the potential to reach 5.8m at 6.17am.
In addition to the elevated water levels, strong winds and choppy seas are expected to increase the risk of floods in low-lying areas.
The centre has provided specific forecasts for each day of the high-tide event, including expected tide heights and weather conditions, namely a forecast of 5.7m at 6.54am with heavy rain on Oct 19, while the next day could see a high of 5.5m at 7.29am with a thunderstorm.
Residents are urged to monitor local weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
“Local fishermen and coastal residents of Port Klang should not go out to sea. They must be vigilant,” he said.
Specific areas in Port Klang known to be susceptible to flooding during high tides include North Port, South Port, West Port, Jalan Syahbandar (Foreshore Road), Sungai Sireh, Telok Gong, Pulau Indah, Tanjung Harapan, and Bagan Hailam.
Haikal said all fire stations in the district were on high alert and urged residents in high-risk areas to adhere to instructions issued by authorities in the event of flash floods.
The Port Klang Fire and Rescue Department at Persiaran Raja Muda Musa oversees five stations, namely Sri Andalas (Jalan Tun Dr Ismail), south Klang (Jalan Tengku Kelana), north Klang (Sungai Pinang), Kapar (Persiaran Hamzah Alang) and Pulau Indah (Jalan Samudera).
These stations are equipped with 60 personnel and specialised equipment, including an aluminium boat and an amphibious rescue inflatable boat that can operate on both land and water.
“We will have 45 personnel on standby with two fire engines, one stationed in Pulau Indah and another at Port Klang station,” said Haikal.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) enforcement chief Andry Arman Masrom said the Swift Action Task Force (Pantas), which handles emergencies and disasters at the local government level, will be on alert for flash floods.
Andry said their task force of 45 personnel in four teams would be on standby 24 hours a day to monitor the situation.
MBDK’s closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) unit, which monitors traffic, would also monitor for flash floods.
