Malaysia: Terengganu on orange flood alert as major rivers rise

ZARINA ABDULLAH New Straits Times 26 Dec 16;

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state has issued an orange-level alert through its flood portal http://etindakan.terengganu.gov.my/ after heavy rains over the past three days raised the level of four major rivers here today. As at 8.40am, the portal said levels of major rivers in the state are higher than normal.

The rivers include Sungai Besut at Jambatan Keruak, which is at 30.16 metres, compared to its normal level of 28.50 metres, while the danger level is at 35m. In Setiu, Sungai Setiu at Jambatan Chalok, is at 7.63 metres compared to the normal level of 5m and the danger level of 9m. Sungai Nerus in Kampung Langkap is 3.83 metres higher than the normal level of 17 metres, while the danger level is 21.50 metres.

In Hulu Terengganu, Sungai Telemong at Kuala Ping is at 18.55 metres, compared to the normal level of 16.50 metres and the danger level of 19.70 metres. And Sungai Dungun in Kuala Jengai is at 19.73 metres, compared to the normal level of 14 metres and the danger level of 21 metres.

Terengganu flash floods see 63 evacuated
SHARANPAL SINGH RANDHAWA The Star 26 Dec 16;

KUALA TERENGGANU: A heavy downpour which hit parts of Kemaman in Terengganu has caused flash floods in some low-lying areas, forcing 63 people from 17 families to flee to three evacuation centres.

State Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Che Adam A Rahman said the three evacuation centres were opened on Monday morning.

These were SMK Badrul Alam Shah in Kemasik where 26 people had fled to, Kampung Padang Kemunting hall (16 people), and Kampung Batu 9 in Ibok, with 21 evacuees.

Che Adam said the rain, which had started at about 2am Monday, saw waters inundating houses in some low-lying areas.

“The heavy downpour in Hulu Terengganu also saw Jalan Felda Mengkawang-Tersat being closed to light vehicles.

“Our men are also on standby,” he said when contacted.

The Meteorological Department issued a Yellow alert in Terengganu, where rain is expected all the way up to Wednesday.