Always good that we are prepared for stormy weather

The tropical storm that was anticipated to hit the east coast of the peninsula has fizzled out. It was the tail-end of typhoon Sonamu, which struck the Philippines on Friday, and the authorities were concerned that it might still have some oomph left by the time it reached the shores of the three states on the eastern front Terengganu, Pahang and Kelantan.

We know that the weather is always difficult to predict but is always good to err on the side of caution.

The agencies were all ready and the residents in the anticipated danger zones were alerted ahead. We were well prepared.

Even though the storm has passed, it is necessary to reflect on this issue.

For those who are used to such natural phenomena, this may just be another day in a relatively wet season that has already seen severe flood situations quite recently.

But we must acknowledge that it is hard work for agency workers and also many volunteers each time a situation like this arises.

Read More

East coast on high alert for tropical storm and another round of floods

Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang have been placed on high alert for a tropical storm which is expected to make landfall today and cause flooding in the coastal areas.

The storm is the effect of typhoon Sonamu which struck the Philippines on Friday.

The Meteorological Department advised people in the affected areas to heed the instructions of the local authorities although it believed that the storm would be downgraded to a slower and less powerful “tropical depression” before it hits the east coast states.

Department deputy director-general Alui Bahari said: “As it gets closer to land, a tropical storm usually loses its speed and moisture.

“At the moment, it is still a tropical storm. By the time it reaches our waters, it is likely that it will be a tropical depression, which is less severe.”

On how a storm gathers, Alui said: “First you have a low pressure area which gains strength to become a tropical depression, tropical storm and severe tropical storm before it becomes a typhoon.”

Read More

Tropical storm Sonamu brewing in east coast

Kelantan and Terengganu have intensified preparations to face tropical storm Sonamu that is expected to make landfall tomorrow.

At least 150 members of the Civil Defence Department have been put on standby in the state capital

“My men have been put on alert since Sunday following the Meteo-rological Department warning of the tropical storm that is expected to bring heavy rain and pose a risk to low-lying areas in Kelantan, Tereng-ganu and Pahang,'' said Kota Baru Civil Defence officer Wan Shukri Wan Ayub.

Meanwhile, the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department has put 781 personnel members on standby with seven helicopters, 72 water craft and 106 land transport vehicles ready to be mobilised at any time.

Its director Datuk Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said the department had been given orders to lend assistance to Kelantan and Terengganu in case the situation there worsens.

“We have moved our personnel and equipment to higher ground. This is to allow our operations to go smoothly as the fire station in Kuantan was also flooded recently,” he said.

Read More