When climate change gets deadly

Search continues: Rescue teams from various agencies reciting prayers before continuing to search for victims at the campsite in Batang Kali. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Climate change could potentially increase rainfall intensity in the country, says a climate expert.

The altered characteristics of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (Enso) is also one of the factors behind heavy rainfall, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Earth Sciences and Environment Department chairman Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang.

Enso is a phenomenon that is influenced by changes in water temperature in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

“It is very possible that climate change can be a factor in determining the intensity of rainfall and flooding.

“An elevated global mean temperature can increase the ability of the atmosphere to hold more moisture, and this can intensify heavy rainfall.

“Climate change also can alter the characteristics of the Enso cycle,” he said, adding that the current La Nina phenomenon has been unusual.

Due to this anomaly, there has been more rain in the country, he said. To mitigate the impact of natural disasters, Prof Fredolin called on the authorities to rely on scientific forecasts.

According to the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the region is currently experiencing a monsoon surge, which happened when cold Siberian air and eastern Pacific surge collided and moved towards Malaysia.

The phenomenon caused heavy rainfall, strong winds and huge waves, especially on the east coast of the peninsula.

National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said higher soil moisture levels in slopes due to wet conditions would contribute to higher risks of landslides.

Due to the decrease in solar radiation with cloud cover, the rate of evapotranspiration would be lower, trapping the humidity in the soil.

(Evapotranspiration refers to how water moves from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere, via both evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants).

“These two factors will increase the risk of landslides or slope failures. As for flood-prone areas, a survey showed that many rivers in the east coast are at the dangerous or alert level.

“Due to increased soil moisture and rivers nearly at full carrying capacity, any extreme rainfall event will tip the balance, causing the rivers to burst their banks and flooding,” he said.

Prof Azizan also advised the public not to travel during the wet season.

Prof Fredolin agreed, saying that the public must avoid flood and landslide prone areas.

“The public also need to be extremely alert to the severe weather and flood warnings issued by the authorities.

“Avoid unnecessary travelling or any activities like camping in areas prone to floods or landslides during this period,” he said.

MetMalaysia has forecast that several areas in the country would experience heavy rainfall, huge waves and strong winds that are expected to last until Thursday next week.

It has also issued a “continuous rain warning” for Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor that is in effect until Tuesday.

Strong winds and rough sea warnings have been issued for areas near the South China Sea effective until Dec 22, as stated in MetMalaysia’s Significant Weather Forecast at 3pm yesterday.

The public are advised to refer to MetMalaysia’s official website at www.met.gov.my and social media platforms for official updates on weather conditions.