Coastal residents urged to be wary of high-tide phenomenon

SHAH ALAM: Residents in coastal areas have been cautioned to be prepared for possible flooding due to a rise in sea levels due to the high-tide phenomenon.

Selangor Disaster Management Unit head Ahmad Fairuz Mohd Yusof said the tidal waves were expected to occur from now until December.

“Coastal areas in Selangor such as the Klang district, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam are expected to be affected,” Ahmad Fairuz told the media at the state secretariat yesterday.

He said the waves were expected to be the highest in October and November with a forecast reading of between 5.5m and 5.6m.

Ahmad Fairuz said the situation could worsen if there was rain and strong winds during the high tide.

“When the wave is at its maximum height and if there is rain and heavy winds at the same time, there is a possibility of water from the sea overflowing coastal banks.

“This will erode the banks causing them to break and if this happens, the increased level of sea water flowing inland will flood high-risk areas such as fishing villages and jetties,” he said.

He added that compared to rain water flooding, seawater flooding would cause more damage due to the salt content.

He said evacuation centres would also start operations a day before the high tide dates.

According to Ahmad Fairuz all the necessary satellite information has already been given to the state’s district authorities.

He added that the Selangor government spent RM4.3mil in 2016 and RM8mil this year to mend and strengthen river and coastal banks to prevent flooding.