THE ongoing floods are growing more dire as of press time, with at least 120,000 reported displaced nationwide. The monsoon downpour, as we know it, has not been quite forgiving this year, yet again.
Scenes of homes, roads and even towns submerged in muddy waters overflowing from main rivers and tributaries are making the rounds on social media, causing nationwide worry about whether or not the situation will abate.
The situation is far from normal. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that floods currently affecting Kelantan and Terengganu, especially, are expected to be worse than in 2014.
As of yesterday, the Meteorological Department had lifted the danger alert level for continuous torrential in parts of the east coast, but a warning for severe continuous rain remains in several districts of Kelantan and Terengganu.Hence, it goes without saying that safety measures should be the utmost priority for evacuees, including those living near low-lying areas, over the potential of rising waters spilling from elevated lands.
However, for some, life-threatening dangers posed by floods are only related to drowning and strong undercurrents, which of course, is an understandable notion.
But there is another form of danger often overlooked by flood victims as they wade their way through the watery depths of submerged residences – death by electrocution.
On Nov 27, a 35-year-old mechanic was electrocuted to death in the wee hours after attempting to unplug his washing machine from a wall socket at his flooded home in Pasir Puteh.
It is possible Tuan Mohd Zakaria Tuan Ismail, who died on the spot, did not realise that electricity was still running at the time of the incident.
His body was swept away into a river nearby.
While tragic and unfortunate, the incident should serve as a reminder for all to remain vigilant especially when handling or using electrical appliances in flooded areas.
The Energy Commission has cautioned people time and again that the floods pose other dangers such as electrocution.
Other than staying away from wet electrical devices, we must also keep an eye out for exposed electricity cables and submerged power lines and substations, which can lead to accidental contact due to low visibility.
The same goes for avoiding submerged electrical equipment, even at home, since there is potential that the surrounding area has been electrified by an exposed electrical line.
We need to be alert of such possible situations.
For extra precaution, remember to turn off the main power switch at home and unplugging all electrical equipment ahead of the impending gush of water. It might save lives.
