MetMalaysia warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds

PETALING JAYA: The number of flood evacuees nationwide now stands at more than 1,000 in five states compared to just over 300 victims last week.

There were 1,208 evacuees from 334 families placed at 13 temporary relief centres as of yesterday evening, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

These flood evacuees were from Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Perak and Johor, with Selangor topping the list at 740 people, who were moved to four relief centres.

In Perak, there were 200 evacuees placed at two centres; 94 at three centres in Penang; 105 at two centres in Johor; and 69 at two centres in Negri Sembilan.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in a warning issued yesterday, said that thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds were expected in Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.

This is owing to the fact that the country is currently in the midst of a transition period of the monsoon season, which started in late September and will last until early November.

During this phase, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds occurring in short periods, especially in the late evenings, will happen frequently.

MetMalaysia warned that this phase would bring heavy rainfall which could cause flash floods in low-lying areas and structural damage.

Coastal areas are also particularly at risk, especially if continuous heavy rainfall coincides with the high-tide phenomenon.

According to MetMalaysia’s weather monitoring report from October 2019 to March 2020, most states in the peninsula are expected to receive an average rainfall of between 150mm and 350mm this month.

“However, Perlis, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are expected to receive above-average rainfall levels of between 300mm and 420mm.

“Kedah and Penang are also expected to receive a lot more rain than other states, between 350mm and 500mm, ” said the report available on its website.

In Sarawak, most areas may receive average rainfall levels of between 200mm and 450mm, except around Kuching, Sri Aman and Samarahan which are likely to receive less rainfall at between 200mm and 300mm.

In Sabah, Kudat, Keningau and Tawau may get average rainfall levels of between 100mm and 250mm with other parts expected to receive between 200mm and 400mm.

MetMalaysia said the northeast monsoon will start early next month and end in March, and this will bring heavy rains to the east coast states.

“Terengganu and Kelantan will receive an average rainfall of between 350mm and 850mm, ” said the report.

Monsoon rains in the east coast of the peninsula, however, will start to ease up and decrease in frequency come January, it added.

Rainfall, river water levels and the flood situation can be monitored via publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my. - Star