Heavy rains in several states to end next month

The heavy rains which caused floods in several states are expected to end next month, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

Its deputy director-general (Weather and Climate) Alui Bahari said the heavy rains following the northeast monsoon were in their final phase. "Under the final phase from February to March, the impact of the northeast monsoon rain will be faced by states in the southern part of the peninsula (Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan) and the western part of Sarawak (Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong Divisions). The monsoon season is expected to end in March (2016)," he told Bernama.

However, he said several areas especially in the north of the peninsula were experiencing the hot and dry El Nino phenomena since January.

He was asked to comment on the flood incidents in several states including Sarawak, Melaka and Johor since several days ago with residents having to be moved to relief centres.

Touching on the bad flood situation in Sarawak, Alui said based on long-term records, the distribution of rain in the western part of Sarawak was high in January and February.

"The records show the monthly average rainfall at the Kuching Meteorological Station for January was the highest, namely, 699.0mm followed by February 496.4mm.

"Kuching recorded heavy daily rainfall from Feb 6 (72.2mm), Februari 7 (85.0mm), Februari 8 (48.8mm) and February 9, 2016 (148.8mm)," he said.

The floods in Sarawak were worse compared to other states due to the combination of two factors, namely heavy rains and extraordinary high tides, he said. In terms of climatology, he said, the amount of rain in Sarawak would lessen after February and, subsequently, episodes of prolonged heavy rains were not expected to take place any more in the state.