Malaysia: Residents advised to brace for third wave of heavy rain

The Star 17 Dec 13;

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor have been advised to be prepared for the third wave of heavy rain expected to begin between tomorrow and Friday.

The Meteorological Department’s weather forecast centre director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the rain was expected to be followed by high tide and strong winds in the South China Sea. The heavy rain could cause floods in low-lying areas, he said yesterday.

Among the areas involved in the states are Dungun and Kemaman in Tereng­ganu, Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).

On floods in the three states and in Kelantan recently, Muhammad Helmi said among the factors were short spells of heavy downpour.

He said the 300ml of rainfall recorded in Kuantan on Dec 2 was among the highest ever recorded in a day. — Bernama

Floods: Third wave of heavy rain to hit Terengganu, Pahang, Johor
The Star 16 Dec 13;

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor have been advised to be prepared for the third wave of heavy rain expected between Wednesday and Friday.

The Meteorological Department's weather forecast centre director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the rain was expected to be followed by high tide and strong winds in the South China Sea.

The heavy rain could cause floods in low-lying areas, he told Bernama.

Among the areas involved are Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu, Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).

On floods in the three states, and in Kelantan recently, Muhammad Helmi said among the factors were short spells of heavy downpour.

He said the 300ml of rainfall recorded in Kuantan on Dec 2, was among the highest ever recorded in a day.

"However, it is difficult for us to link the heavy rain to climate change. Nevertheless, scientists have admitted the situation caused extreme weather," he added.

'Second wave of floods likely to be more severe'
New Straits Times 17 Dec 13;

KUALA LUMPUR: The second wave of floods predicted to hit the east coast tomorrow will likely hit more areas.

The Meteorological Department, however, said more areas would be affected because of the combined factors of high tides, strong winds and heavy rains.

Its central forecast division director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the effects were likely to be "severe".

"The heavy rains, predicted to begin from Wednesday to Sunday, will coincide with the presence of the full moon.

"This will result in unusually high tides that may cause flooding.

"With the presence of strong winds, the situation could worsen."

He said intermittent rain was expected and this might cause floods in low-lying areas.

On Monday, the department issued a yellow alert (heavy rain) for Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).
He said more areas could be affected this time.

"Although three states are expected to be hit, there is a high chance that other areas will be affected, too, because of the tidal surge and strong winds."

Helmi urged the public to be alert and keep abreast with the latest developments through the department's website and Facebook page.

National Security Council secretary Datuk Thajudeen Abdul Wahab said the council was prepared for the second wave.

"All personnel from various agencies are on standby. As soon as the water level rises, we will initiate evacuation. To ensure sufficient food supply, the Social Welfare Department has replenished its stocks, including basic necessities, at its depot and forward bases."

He said evacuation centres that were previously inundated would not be used.