KUCHING: It could be wetter if a cold surge sets in, which can put residents of low-lying areas at risk of flooding.
WET OUTLOOK: Dr Chan (left) briefs journalists on the weather forecast. With him is Ose.
State Disaster Relief Committee chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan gave this warning at a press conference held at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Petra Jaya yesterday.
Dr Chan explained that a cold surge takes place when the easterly winds meet with the highland winds from Tibet.
This, if it happens, will result in continued downpours which could flood low-lying areas.
Presently, the state is having moderate rainfall brought in by the easterly winds from the west Pacific Ocean, revealed Dr Chan who is also Deputy Chief Minister.
He said the king tide is expected on Jan 17.
“Sarawak River shows nothing abnormal now. The king tide on Jan 17 will not be very high, probably about 5.6 metres.
“Last year it was higher at 6.1 or 6.2 metres. But that does not mean we will be spared flooding,” he said.
Asked whether the expected coming wet days would cause flooding, his reply was: “It is hard to predict because of the changing weather pattern, but I know the moderate rains in the next few days is enough to stop golfers.”
In view of the strong winds and rough seas alert issued by the Meteorological Department, he advised people against holding seaside activities.
“People should not try to be heroes and swim in the sea or play near the beach, especially children, as it is simply too dangerous.
“Even if the sun shines but there are high waves, do not go out to sea. The advice is also meant for fishermen, particularly those with small boats,” he said.
Apart from floods, Dr Chan felt that some people had overlooked the possibility of landslides occurring.
“Landslides are not as frequent as flooding but can be disastrous. Our people need to be warned to be more prepared, especially in areas where landslides are common.”
The State Operations Room had alerted all divisional disaster relief committees since Dec 1 last year, and the Sri Aman station had been directed to operate all day following the recent flooding in Pantu.
On Jan 6, some 45 families comprising 139 people were evacuated to SJK Chung Hua Pantu after Kampung Pangkalan Pantu got covered in three feet of flood water, he said.
The Welfare Department was looking after these evacuees, who would not be able to return home in just a matter of days, he said.
“We do not expect them to go back to their houses soon as water normally recedes slowly.”
On causes of the flooding in Pantu, Dr Chan said the outflow of water was too slow while the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) need to clear Sungai Pantu to prevent clogging.
Among those present were Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ose Murang, DID director Wong Siu Hieng and Meteorological Department senior assistant director Haburi Hamdan.