Terengganu folks warned to brace for third wave of floods

 

Terengganu has been hit by two rounds of floods so far, the latest of which saw the evacuation of nearly 8,000 residents. (Bernama pic)

KUALA TERENGGANU: Residents in Terengganu, especially those staying in coastal areas, have been warned to prepare for the possibility of a third wave of flooding between Dec 22 and 26.

State secretary Tengku Farok Hussin Tengku Abdul Jalil said this followed tropical storm Jelawat in the Philippines, which is expected to affect Terengganu as well.

“If the effect is serious, we will face heavy rain. If the forecast is right, we will not only have rain but also strong winds. So my advice is for residents in the coastal areas from Besut to Kemaman to be prepared,” he said.

He told this to reporters at the presentation of contributions for flood victims from Petronas to the social welfare department here today.

Tengku Farok Hussin, who is also chairman of the state disaster management committee secretariat, said the Terengganu government was prepared for the possibility of another round of floods.

“During this northeast monsoon season, we are always prepared (for floods). Based on the forecast, (Jelawat) will not only affect the east coast but the whole of Malaysia,” he added.

The first wave of floods hit Terengganu from Nov 20 to Dec 1, followed by a second wave from Dec 14 until yesterday, which saw the evacuation of almost 8,000 residents to flood relief centres in the districts of Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Marang, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Dungun, Setiu and Besut. - FMT