Klang folk advised to be alert for floods if rains coincide with early morning high tide

COASTAL communities, specifically those in Port Klang, are advised to be on alert as high tides are forecast up to 5.3m at 4.38am on Friday (Oct 27) and 5.6m at 5.22am on Oct 28 and 29 at 6am with the possibility of flooding, if it coincides with rains.

The Klang District Disaster Management Committee, in a statement, informed the public that the high tide level is expected to hit 5.6m on Oct 28 and 29 and there is a possible risk of floods.

“On the first day, Friday, the high tide phenomenon is expected to hit 5.3m at 4.38am,” according to the announcement.

For Oct 30, the high tide will hit 5.5m at 6.36am while on Oct 31, the water level is expected to be at 5.4m at 7.08am and on the final day on Nov 1, water levels will be at 5.1m at 7.38am.

The committee advised residents in coastal areas to be vigilant and fishermen have also been advised not to venture out to sea as waters will be choppy.

In the event of a crisis, the Klang district officer will assume the role of Klang District Disaster Management Committee chief.

Meanwhile, Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station chief Razif Mohamad Haris said all stations in the district were on high alert and ready to handle any possible disasters.

The Klang district Fire and Rescue Department has three stations on Jalan Tengku Kelana, Taman Sri Andalas and Sungai Pinang in Jalan Kapar.

Razif said the areas would be monitored for possible flooding a day earlier.

“The fire stations are equipped with aluminium boats and life jackets.”

All equipment needed for relief work are on standby, including boats and life jackets, he said.

The Port Klang Fire and Rescue Department has 66 men as well as an amphibious rescue inflatable boat with retractable wheels and an outboard motor that can be operated on land and water.

MPK acting deputy president Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin said the council’s Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) would be on alert and respond if flash floods occurred due to the high tide.

Pantas is the team that handles emergencies and disasters at the local council level.

“Our task force of 45 men in four teams will be on standby around the clock to monitor the situation. We are prepared for any eventualities. MPK’s closed-circuit television camera unit that monitors traffic will also look out for flash floods,” said Zaireezal.

In the event of an emergency, the Klang district Civil Defence, Klang district police headquarters, MPK and district office will spring into action.