Stark reminder: A file photo of the flood in 2022. Villagers have been told to monitor rising waters. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
ALOR SETAR: It may not be raining where you are standing, but that little river running through town might suddenly become a raging torrent spilling over its banks.
With the inter-monsoon period bringing unpredictable localised storm systems, villages and small towns built at the bottom of valleys have been getting visits from firemen and Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel, who have been urging residents to be prepared for potential floods and water surges.
Firemen, accompanied by the police, have been visiting every hotspot in Kedah, checking on the condition of rivers to look for potentially problematic blockages and reminding villagers to be on guard.
Kedah APM disaster management secretariat chief Mejar (PA) Muhammad Suhaimi Mohd Zain said residents and villagers in high-risk areas must heed instructions by the authorities to evacuate if necessary.
“Residents who live in hotspot areas must always be prepared, especially during the impending monsoon transition period,” he said, adding that the state APM has identified 257 flood hotspots in Kedah, including areas prone to water surges and landslides.
He said in terms of preparation, the state APM has about 900 officers and personnel on standby.
He also advised Kedahans to be alert to changes in the weather.
The devastating floods in July that struck Kampung Iboi, Baling, in 2022 serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of such events.
The village, located at the bottom of a valley, was devastated by flash floods and water surges that claimed four lives, including a pregnant woman, and damaged numerous homes.
Villager Azhar Mad Isa, 38, said every time there was a continuous downpour, he felt anxious.
He said the villagers pray that the water surges that claimed lives, swept away their homes and affected more than 1,000 residents would never happen again.
The tragedy was reported to be the worst ever in the district, destroying 85 houses with nine completely washed away.
Another villager, Hasriah Din, 52, said although her house was not badly affected during the incident, she still felt jittery whenever it rained.
“Every time dark clouds approach, we at home would feel uneasy and start packing our go-bags, just in case,” she said.
In PENANG, state Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Khairy Sulaiman said it is on high alert to respond to any emergencies that may arise during the monsoon season.
Khairy said the department’s priority is to evacuate victims.
He said with about 800 officers and personnel in 20 stations across the state, the department is well prepared.
He said 38 voluntary fire squads have also been put on standby.
“We have 26 aluminium boats, 33 4WD vehicles and 10 lorries to be used during emergencies and also air unit assistance in Bertam on mainland Penang,” he added.
The department has identified 256 flood hotspots and is closely monitoring these areas.
