The Star 21 Nov 11;
PETALING JAYA: The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang and Kedah.
The yellow alert is the first of three warnings where a monsoonal surge is possible in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The department also issued a first category warning of strong winds and rough seas expected to occur over the waters off Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, East Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
It warned that intermittent rain from today to Thursday may cause flooding in low-lying areas and also strong winds and flash floods.
The department also said strong northeasterly winds of 40 to 50 kph with waves of up to 3.5m were expected over the waters off Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, East Johor, Sarawak, Labuan, Sabah (Interior, West Coast and Kudat), Samui, Condore, Reef North, Layang-Layang, Tioman, Bunguran, Reef South and Palawan until Nov 29.
“The strong winds and rough seas are dangerous to small craft and recreational sea activities,” it said.
On Saturday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said flood relief centres with more than 1,000 occupants would have a team of doctors and nurses on standby.
The minister will also issue an order to freeze leave for public health personnel in flood-prone states for December and January.
More than 28,000 government personnel will be ready to use land, air and water vehicles to move people and aid to victims.
