6 districts in Kedah at risk of flash floods during monsoon transition

 

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected during the ongoing transition from the northeast monsoon to the southwest monsoon. (Bernama pic)

ALOR SETAR: 

Six districts in Kedah have been identified as being at risk of flash floods during the ongoing transition from the northeast monsoon to the southwest monsoon, which began yesterday.

Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) director Zairil Anuar Zulmuji said the transition period – which is expected to last until May – would see thunderstorms and heavy rain, which increases the likelihood of fallen trees and sudden flooding.

“We are on high alert during this period to ensure a swift response to emergencies, such as fallen trees caused by storms and flash floods,” he said.

Zairil said 990 APM personnel in the state are on standby.

APM has also increased its monitoring efforts in flood and storm-prone areas across the six districts, he said.

“We have restricted leave for our personnel and all necessary equipment is ready for use,” he said.

“We will also deploy drones for aerial monitoring, especially in disaster-prone areas across Kedah, Perlis, and Penang.”

The monsoon transition phase, which began on Nov 5 last year, signals the end of the northeast monsoon.

During the transition period, the country will experience light winds from various directions, leading to the formation of storm clouds and rain, particularly in the western parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

On ‘Op Prihatin’ which is scheduled to run from March 28 to April 6, Zairil said APM would conduct patrols, clear fallen trees, and respond to road accidents. - FMT