Malaysia: Pahang joins list of flood-hit states as Sungai Lipis bursts its banks

New Straits Times 3 Dec 17;

KUANTAN: Raub has become the first district in Pahang to be hit by floods in the current monsoon season after Sungai Lipis burst its banks following incessant heavy rain since Friday.

State Civil Defence Force director Zainal Yusoff said 47 people from two villages were evacuated to a surau in Cheroh and a community hall in Kampung Ulu Sungai in Raub overnight.

He said the first relief centre in Cheroh was opened at about 9.25pm on Saturday after two houses in Kampung Melayu Cheroh were inundated by ankle-deep water.

"As the overflowing river water continued to rise, 10 victims from two families were immediately told to vacate their homes. Later, at about 11.30pm, Kampung Ulu Sungai was hit by the river water, forcing 37 victims to be evacuated.

"Police and firemen helped us to relocate the victims, while Welfare Department staff provided assistance at the relief centres," he said.

Zainal added that although the rain has stopped in Raub, the river’s level continues to rise and remains at the danger mark.

The number of flood victims evacuated to relief centres in Raub has increased to 68 as of noon, compared to 47 earlier today.

State Civil Defence Force director Zainal Yusoff said a third relief centre was opened at the Kuala Semantan Community hall at 8am to accommodate 21 evacuees from five families.

He said yesterday, 47 people from 14 families were evacuated to a surau in Cheroh and a community hall in Kampung Ulu Sungai here after Sungai Lipis burst its banks following incessant heavy rain since Friday.

"The victims are those staying in low-lying areas along Sungai Lipis, and they were immediately evacuated to relief centres before the situation could get worse.

"Since the weather has improved and the river is now flowing downstream, we have reminded those living along the river (downstream) to be prepared to leave their homes in the event that their homes are inundated," Zainal added.

Terengganu's coastal residents told to brace for monsoonal tidal waves
ADRIAN DAVID New Straits Times 3 Dec 17;

KUALA NERUS: Coastal residents of Terengganu have been advised to be on alert for monsoonal tidal waves that are expected to lash their villages in the coming days.

Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Che Adam Abdul Rahman said that the adverse weather currently experienced by the state is expected to continue, and he advised the public to stay away from beaches.

He called on parents to closely monitor their children’s movements during the school holidays, as many would be tempted to play at beaches.

“The tidal waves are very treacherous and can pose a danger at any time. Some of the waves from this north-easterly monsoon can reach up to 1.79 metres.

“The winds will also be very strong and can blow off roof tops,” he said.

Adam added that the tidal waves could spill over to coastal roads and cautioned motorists to be on their guard.

“On our part, we have dispatched our mobile units to patrol coastal areas, in tandem with other enforcement agencies, and will send out alerts when necessary.

“The last thing we want is to see untoward incidents involving the loss of lives,” he said after visiting Tangjung Gelam in Mengabang Telipot, which is facing coastal erosion.

The state government has directed the Drainage and Irrigation Department to take immediate action at Tanjung Gelam to prevent a catastrophe.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a Category Two warning of strong north-easterly winds of 50-60 km per hour and rough seas with waves reaching 4.5 metres off Condore, Reef North and Layang-Layang island in the South China Sea.

The department’s website stated that the situation, expected to last until Tuesday, is dangerous for all vessels, including recreational boats, fishing boats and ferries.

A Category One warning of winds of up to 40-50km per hour and waves of 3.5 metres high has been issued for Tioman, Bunguran, Reef South, Labuan (Sabah) and Palawan (the southern Philippines) during the same period.

Thunderstorms are also expected off Koh Samui in south Thailand, Condore and Reef North on Sunday night.

The affected regions cover Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah.