Second wave of high tide phenomenon to occur for five days from Sunday

Several low lying areas along the coastlines of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Selangor and Selangor are most likely to be hit by floods as the second wave of the high tide phenomenon is expected to occur for five days beginning Sunday.

According to Drainage and Irrigation Department's (JPS) Beach Zone Management Division principal assistant director Arman Mokhtar among the areas to be affected are Pantai Sabak and Pantai Cahaya Bulan in Kelantan; Pantai Tok Jembal in Terengganu; Kuala Muda in Kedah; and Klang, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam in Selangor.

"However, the effects of the phenomenon could worsen if accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorm and big waves, especially in the east coast of the peninsula, which is currently experiencing the monsoon season.

"The monsoon season usually brings strong winds and heavy rain, and this situation is feared to create bigger waves during the high tide phenomenon," he told Bernama Friday.

The first wave of the high tide phenomenon, which occurred on Oct 16 to 19, saw several states being hit by floods, with almost 500 residents in Selangor being evacuated.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Management director-general Datuk Zaitun Ab Samad said they expected the raise of sea level during the second wave of the high tide phenomenon would not be as high as in the first wave.

"Right now, the position of the Earth is closest to the moon and according to tide forecast, the water level this month will be lower compared to the level when the first wave hit last month.

"However, due to several factors such as wing strength and district location, residents still need to take precautionary measures to face any possibility," she told Bernama.

In SHAH ALAM, the Selangor State Disaster Management Unit in a statement today said the phenomenon is expected to recur over the coastal areas in the state for five days beginning Monday with sea water levels projected to reach up to 5.6 metres.

The risk of floods could also increase in the areas in the event of heavy rain and strong winds during that period.

"People living in high-risk areas such as Klang, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam are urged to adhere to the instructions of the local authorities and to be ready to be evacuated to the nearby relief centres which will be opened at 2pm on Sunday," the statement said.

It said two districts, namely Klang and Sabak Bernam, were classified as 'red zone' or high-risk flood prone areas, while three other districts, namely, Kuala Selangor, Kuala Langat and Sepang, were classified as 'yellow zone' or medium-risk areas.

Among the areas expected to be hit by floods were Kampung Tok Muda in Klang; Kampung Sungai Air Tawar and Tebuk Mendeling in Sabak Bernam; Pasir Penambang, Bagan Pasir and Pantai Remis in Kuala Selangor; Pantai Kelanang and Tanjung Sepat's coastline in Kuala Langat; and Bagan Lalang's coastline in Sepang. -- BERNAMA