High tide at KTM Port Klang station and Pulau Ketam jetty earlier this year. – Filepic
DUE to the continuous rain and high tide forecast for next month, Klang Municipal Council (MPK) has advised all residents living in areas close to rivers to prepare for floods.
MPK president Noraini Roslan said the high tide phenomenon in October would notch 5.5m at the highest.
“Out of the 12 days of high tide from Oct 8 to 13 and from Oct 24 to 29, there will be four days – Oct 10 (6.13am), Oct 11 (6.45am), Oct 26 (6.23am) and Oct 27 (6.56am) – when the tide will hit 5.5m.
“Our concern is that heavy rain may coincide with the high tide, resulting in flash floods in low-lying areas.
“The tidal gates will be closed and may cause backflow,” she said at a full board meeting.
On Oct 8, the tide will be at 5.1m at 4.55am and the following day, it will be at 5.4m at 5.37am.
On Oct 12, it will be at 5.4m at 7.13am and the following day at 5.2m at 7.39am.
The tide on Oct 24 will reach 5.2m at 5.10am and the following day at 5.4m at 5.47am.
On Oct 28, it will be at 5.3m at 7.30am and on Oct 29 at 5.1m at 8.03am.
The National Hydrographic Centre in Port Klang and Malaysian Meteorological Department have also issued a high tide alert, while the Drainage and Irrigation Department has been monitoring bunds along the rivers.
Noraini said MPK was prepared with 25 vehicles and 146 workers who would keep vigil on areas that faced floods during previous high tides.
“Our Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) has been asked to watch out for bund breaches or heavy flow in rivers and canals,” she said.
MPK’s closed-circuit television camera unit, which monitors traffic, will also look out for flash floods and the council will liaise with the Fire and Rescue Services Department as well as the Civil Defence Department to activate rescue missions.
Noraini encouraged residents to fill an emergency bag with documents and essential items like mineral water, medical kit and clothes.
