Listen to the radio, online news portals or social media for information on flash floods. Photo: Filepic
When it comes to the monsoon season, Malaysians should consider the worst scenario as no one can predict the severity of floods, says Prof Dr Zulkifli Yusop, senior fellow at the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Johor Baru.
"Large floods do not occur frequently. Hence, people tend to forget the impact of these natural disasters. But it is necessary to have continuous awareness programmes on floods for all citizens, especially students.
"Disaster planning is crucial in reducing damages and saving lives. With early planning and flood preparedness, the risks can be reduced. We are blessed that many non-governmental organisations have helped flood victims by distributing food, clothes and other necessities.
However, coordination is important to ensure goods and services reach the victims in time," Prof Zulkifli said in an email interview.
Overall losses due to the 2021 floods recorded RM6.1bil, according to the Statistics Department. Photo: Filepic
The flood that hit the country last year till early 2022 caused damage to living quarters, vehicles, business premises, manufacturing and agriculture sectors, public assets and infrastructure. Overall losses due to the floods recorded RM6.1bil, according to the Statistics Department of Malaysia.
Prof Zulkifli added that rising sea levels due to global warming and blocked drainage are among the reasons contributing to massive floods in the country.
"Rainfall intensity especially in urban areas is showing an increasing trend, resulting in larger potential of stormflow or flood water. Many urban areas are undergoing rapid development.
This leads to more impervious areas and higher infiltration capacity for the rainwater to be stored in the soil layer, causing higher stormflow. In coastal areas, floods can be aggravated by the tide level too," said Prof Zulkifli, who clinched the 2019 Malaysia Outstanding Water Award for Research from the Malaysian Water Association.
The academician has authored and co-authored about 400 research papers on water management, climate change impact on water resources, and integrated river basin management.
Prof Zulkifli said rising sea levels due to global warming and blocked drainage are among the reasons contributing to massive floods in the country. Photo: Prof Dr Zulkifli YusopHe is now working on water security with a RM7.8mil research grant he received from Britain's UK Research Institute.
To prevent massive floods in Malaysia, Prof Zulkifli says flood management authorities should adopt the river basin concept. In this method, flowing water converges into a river mouth or flows into a lake or ocean.
"Ideally, developments that create impervious surfaces should be limited. However, the threshold of land opening concerning flood risk should be understood too. If this threshold is exceeded, the additional runoff that causes flooding should be managed by introducing on-site mitigation measures such as the construction of dams, ponds and wetlands.
"The existing ex-mining ponds should be managed for flood control. Engineering solutions are necessary for downstream areas too. It includes enough drainage to cater for larger storms, constructing bunds or flood walls, diverting flood water to storage facilities and creating a pumping system," said Prof Zulkifli, who is also an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Climate Change, and chair of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia’s Water Committee.
Here are five things you need to do to be prepared for a flood:
Listen to the television, radio, online news portals or social media for information on flash floods. Ensure you follow emergency orders given by authorities. During the monsoon season, it is essential to check the weather forecast regularly. Download apps such as myCuaca, RakanMET and MyPublic Infobanjir for flood updates.
Cars can be swept away in only 0.6m of moving water. Photo: Filepic
Do you know that cars can be swept away in only 0.6m of moving water? Researchers from the University of New South Wales discovered that cars are most vulnerable to moving floodwaters once the depth reaches the vehicle's floor. Don't drive in water where power lines have fallen in. Water is an electrical insulator, and electric current passes through water quickly. Remember the phrase: "Turn around, don't drown."
Prepare essential items that could come in handy during flooding season. People, especially those living in low-lying areas, should have food and water that can last for a few days. Also, don't forget to prepare a disaster supply kit containing first aid supplies, a flashlight with extra batteries, candles, matches, warm clothes and sleeping bags.
Plan how you can keep in touch with your family and friends during the flooding season. Ensure your phone is in working condition. Don't forget to charge up your power banks too.
Temporary evacuation centres are among the most critical preparedness measures to minimise the loss of lives during floods. Photo: Filepic
Temporary evacuation centres are among the most critical preparedness measures to minimise the loss of lives during floods. Besides food and medical services, many certified counsellors are placed at relief centres to provide psychosocial services to flood victims to cope with the disaster.
Stay safe during the floods
Listen to the radio, online news portals or social media for information on flash floods. Photo: Filepic
Overall losses due to the 2021 floods recorded RM6.1bil, according to the Statistics Department. Photo: Filepic
Temporary evacuation centres are among the most critical preparedness measures to minimise the loss of lives during floods. Photo: Filepic
Cars can be swept away in only 0.6m of moving water. Photo: The Star/Thomas Yong
Prof Zulkifli said rising sea levels due to global warming and blocked drainage are among the reasons contributing to massive floods in the country. Photo: Prof Dr Zulkifli Yusop
