KLANG: Coastal communities in Selangor have been put on alert as high tides up to 5.7m at 7.07am and 5.6m at 7.38am are expected to occur with the possibility of flash floods due to rains on Oct 1 and Oct 2.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, scattered thunderstorms are forecast to hit Selangor’s coastal areas in the morning hours.
Selangor’s Fire and Rescue Department will be on high alert and are prepared to handle any possible flash flood incidents during the two days.
Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station chief Razif Mohamad Haris said people who live along the coastal areas, rivers or huge monsoon drains have been warned to keep away from the seaside and rivers.
“Yesterday (Sept 29) the high tide phenomenon at 5.52am saw the tides go up to 5.5m without incident as the waves along the coastal areas were calm, with no breaching of bunds.”
“The weather was fine and there was no rain. We expect even tomorrow would be fine without any incident,” said Razif.
He added that fire stations are equipped with aluminium boats and life jackets.
“All equipment needed for relief work is on standby, including boats and life jackets,” he said.
The Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station has 66 men as well as an amphibious rescue inflatable boat with retractable wheels and an outboard motor that can be operated on land and water.
In the event of an emergency, the Klang district Civil Defence, Klang district police headquarters, Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and district office will spring into action.
The Klang district’s disaster management committee in a statement advised residents in coastal areas to be vigilant and fishermen have also been advised not to venture out to sea as waters will be choppy.
For those who live in Klang, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam, an advisory has been issued urging residents along the coast to pay heed to the authorities’ broadcasts to relocate to designated relief centres when needed.
In Klang district, areas particularly vulnerable to floods due to the tidal waves are Taman Daya Meru, Jalan Teratai Meru, Jalan Keledang Meru, Pengkalan Tok Muda, Bund Sementa, Bund Sungai Keramat, 5th Mile of Jalan Kapar, Jalan Pandamaran, Taman Selat Damai in Pendamar, Kampung Perepat-Fishermen’s Jetty, Northport in Port Klang, Pulau Ketam and Telok Gong.
MPK acting deputy president Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin said the council’s Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) would be on alert and respond if flash floods occurred due to the high tide.
Pantas is the team that handles emergencies and disasters at the local council level.
“Our task force of 45 men in four teams will be on standby around the clock to monitor the situation.
“We are prepared for any eventualities.
“MPK’s closed-circuit television camera unit that monitors traffic will also look out for flash floods,” said Zaireezal.
Other areas expected to be affected are Pantai Kelanang and Persisir Pantai Tanjung Sepatin Kuala Langat as well as Persisir Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang.
The sites to be monitored in Sabak Bernam are Tebuk Mendeling, Sungai Ayer Tawar and Sungai Panjang while in Kuala Selangor, the areas are Tanjung Karang, Kampung Kuantan, Pantai Remis and Pekan Sungai Buloh.
