Selangor bracing for 'high-level disaster' with high tide phenomenon expected from Sept 11

COASTAL areas in Selangor have been put on alert as high tides of up to 5.5m are expected to occur at 7.18am on Sept 12, with the possibility of flash floods if downpours take place.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, scattered thunderstorms are also forecast in Selangor, with strong winds predicted to lash coastal areas.

The region will experience the monsoon transition phase until early November and people have been warned to keep away from the seaside and rivers.

The high tide phenomenon is expected to begin at 6.42am on Sept 11, with tides forecast at 5.4m, while it will be at its highest at 5.5m on Sept 12 at 7.18am, and forecast to be at 5.4m at 7.49am on Sept 13.

On Sept 14, at 8.16am, the tide will be at 5.3m.

The Klang district's disaster management committee in a statement advised residents in coastal areas to be vigilant.

Fishermen have also been advised not to venture out to sea as waters will be choppy.

Selangor district officers have been notified to draw up a disaster plan in preparation for any flood situation.

In preparation for what is labelled as "high-level disaster", the state government issued an advisory to those living in Klang, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam, urging residents along the coast to pay heed to the authorities' broadcasts to relocate to designated relief centres when needed.

In Klang district, areas particularly vulnerable to floods due to the tidal waves in Klang are Taman Daya Meru, Jalan Teratai Meru, Jalan Keledang Meru, Pengkalan Tok Muda, Bund Sementa, Bund Sungai Keramat, 5th Mile of Jalan Kapar, Jalan Pandamaran, Taman Selat Damai in Pendamar,

Kampung Perepat-Fishermen's Jetty, Northport in Port Klang, Pulau Ketam and Telok Gong.

Klang Municipal Council (MPK) Enforcement Department deputy director Shahrul Hazri Abd Majid 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.

"The staff at MPK's closed-circuit television camera unit who monitors traffic will also look out for flash floods," said Shahrul.

Other areas expected to be affected are Pantai Kelanang and Persisir Pantai Tanjung Sepatin Kuala Langat as well as Persisir Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang.

The sites to be monitored in Sabak Bernam are Tebuk Mendeling, Sungai Ayer Tawar and Sungai Panjang while in Kuala Selangor, the areas are Tanjung Karang, Kampung Kuantan, Pantai Remis and Pekan Sungai Buloh.

Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station chief Razif Mohamad Haris said all stations in the district were on high alert and being prepared 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.

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