Coastal areas on high alert

COASTAL areas in Selangor will be on high alert as tides of up to 5.1m are expected on June 13, 14 and 15, with the possibility of flash floods if there is heavy rain during that period.

The National Hydrographic Centre in Port Klang said the high tide phenomenon was forecasted for the evenings of the three days.

Izham advises people living close to rivers and coastal areas to be vigilant, especially if there is continuous rain.

Selangor infrastructure, public amenities, agriculture modernisation and agro-based industry committee chairman Izham Hashim said flooding could occur if there was continuous rain coinciding with the high tide.

“Areas along Selangor’s coast have been put on alert.

“It has been forecasted that tides would reach up to 5.1m at 5.10pm on June 13; at 5.58pm on June 14; and at 6.43pm on June 15,” he said.

He noted that five districts, namely Klang, Sepang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam, had been identified as areas that could potentially face heavy rain and floods.

He advised those living near rivers and coastal areas to be vigilant, especially if it rained continuously.

“The hydrographic centre forecasted that the high tide level should not breach the bunds.

“If water goes over them, it may just flow into scupper drains,” said Izham.

Areas particularly vulnerable to the high tide phenomenon in Klang are Taman Melawis, Kampung Delek, Sungai Udang, Pengkalan Tok Muda, 4th Mile of Jalan Kapar, Bund Sementa, Port Klang, Jalan Pandamaran Banting and Taman Selat Damai in Pendamar, Port Klang.

In Kuala Langat, the vulnerable areas are Pantai Kelanang and Pesisir Pantai Tanjung Sepat as well as Pesisir Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang.

In Sabak Bernam, the areas at risk are Tebuk Mendeling, Sungai Ayer Tawar and Sungai Panjang as well as Tanjung Karang, Kampung Kuantan, Pantai Remis and Pekan Sungai Buloh in Kuala Selangor.

Izham reminded residents in high-risk areas to follow instructions issued by the authorities in the event of flash floods.

“Those living near rivers should avoid boating activities and fishing trips along the coastline,” he said.

Razif says firemen are on high alert and prepared to handle any emergency.

Port Klang fire station chief Razif Mohd Haris said firemen were on high alert and prepared to handle any disaster.

He added that the bunds built along Jalan Tepi Sungai, Klang and Kampung Tok Muda Mile 5 in Jalan Kapar should be able to hold back the water.

Klang District Fire and Rescue headquarters has three stations —at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Taman Seri Andalas and Sungai Pinang in Jalan Kapar.

The Klang District Civil Defence, Klang police, Klang Municipal Council and district office said they would be prepared for any emergency.