KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 7 — Residents in river basin areas in six Terengganu districts have been urged to stay alert and follow instructions from the authorities after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a four-day continuous rain advisory starting tomorrow.
Terengganu Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) director Osman Abdullah said the six districts affected were Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Besut, Hulu Terengganu and Marang, all of which have extensive low-lying areas.
He identified several river basins at risk, namely Sungai Besut, Sungai Keluang and Sungai Semarak in Besut; Sungai Mengabang Telipot, Sungai Mengabang Besar and Sungai Mengabang Telung in Kuala Nerus; Sungai Merang and Sungai Nerus in Setiu; Sungai Ibai in Kuala Terengganu; Sungai Marang in Hulu Terengganu; and Sungai Ibai and Sungai Merchang in Marang.
“However, the forecast cannot yet pinpoint the villages or locations that may be affected by flooding. Early flood forecasts are issued up to seven days in advance based on weather conditions and flood potential, while warnings are issued when models indicate a greater likelihood of flooding, usually up to two days before it occurs.
“Residents, especially those in flood-prone and low-lying areas and near rivers, are advised to remain alert and monitor the latest updates through the various platforms provided by the authorities,” he told Bernama today.
Osman said Terengganu DID operates a hydrological monitoring and flood forecasting system to help authorities and residents in flood-prone areas prepare for the Northeast Monsoon.
“This is supported by hydrological telemetry stations, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and flood warning sirens to monitor conditions and alert residents,” he said, adding that the telemetry stations provide real-time rainfall and river water-level data for monitoring and flood risk assessment.
He said CCTV cameras allow officials to monitor rivers and flood-prone areas visually, while sirens alert residents to take immediate safety measures.
Meanwhile, Osman said the Sungai Takir Pump House and Tidal Gate project near Kuala Nerus, approved under Rolling Plan 2 of the 13th Malaysia Plan, would be implemented next year and benefit about 3,000 residents in the flood-prone district.
He said the project comprises a pump house and tidal gate, high-capacity pumps, an automated control system, electricity supply facilities and supporting infrastructure. — Bernama
Malay Mail – Malaysia