Expect some rain and storms despite improving weather

PETALING JAYA: Weather and flood conditions nationwide are improving except for Kelantan, where some districts are still having heavy rainfall.

According to the Social Welfare Department Infobanjir website, there were heavy rains in Gua Musang, Kuala Krai and Jeli yesterday, with eight areas recording more than 60mm of rainfall as at 5pm.

In Sarawak, only five areas experienced similar rainfall while Tasik Banding in Perak received 107.5mm.

Other flood-hit states like Johor, Pahang, Sabah and Selangor did not receive as much rainfall in any district.

Dangerous water levels, how­ever, were recorded at six rivers in Pahang as at 5pm, followed by Johor (four rivers) and Kelantan (three).

For today, all states in the peninsula are expected to see isolated rain and thunderstorms at different times of the day, according to the Meteorological Department.

Pahang, Penang and Kedah are the three states that are expected to experience isolated rain in the morning, afternoon and night.

All the three states have also had to deal with flood problems over the last two months.

Sabah looks to be relatively dry as only Sandakan and Tawau will experience isolated rainfall during the festive period.

In Sarawak, rainfall can be expected in the morning in all areas except for Sri Aman, Limbang, Miri and Sibu but there will be isolated and scattered thunderstorms throughout the state in the afternoon and evening.

However – only Kapit, Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman will experience more thunderstorms at night.

In Arau, those affected by the floods, especially the Chinese community celebrating the Chinese New Year today, have been advised to follow the directive by the authorities if they are told to evacuate much earlier, said Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said this was important to avoid greater risk during the flood season.

“Residents in affected areas should always be aware of warnings of heavy rain and must be prepared to move out earlier, if directed to do so,” said Dr Shahidan after handing over aid in conjunction with the Chinese New Year to 635 less fortunate residents from the Chinese community at the Arau service centre in Kubang Gajah, Perlis yesterday.

He said flood victims, especially from high-risk groups such as pregnant women, senior citizens and chronic disease sufferers, were also urged to look after the cleanliness and seek treatment quickly, if needed.

Shahidan also expressed satisfaction with the National Disaster Management Agency’s coordination to tackle flood problems nationwide.