GEORGE TOWN: Residents of coastal areas and those near rivers in Penang are urged to stay alert as a high tide phenomenon is predicted from Oct 18 to 21, says state Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) director Datuk Mohd Nazri Yasmin.
Based on tide tables, Penang waters are expected to reach tide levels between 2.8m and 3.1m CD (chart datum), with peak times between midnight and early morning.
"The combination of heavy rainfall within a short period and high tide poses significant risks to coastal areas and major rivers in Penang.
"If heavy rain coincides with high tide and a storm, seawater may overflow onto the coast, causing rapid increases in the water levels of main rivers, potentially leading to flooding," he explained.
Residents near the coast or major rivers should remain vigilant, as the risk of flooding significantly increases during high tide events accompanied by heavy rain.
As a precaution, the department has installed flood warning stations in high-risk areas under Phase 2 of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB) to prevent property damage and casualties.
A total of 54 flood warning siren devices have been installed statewide, with 30 funded by the state government and the remainder provided by PRAB through the federal government.
These devices sound alarms to alert residents if river water levels in nearby areas reach a warning threshold, allowing them to prepare to move to safer locations.
Furthermore, 49 river water level monitoring devices have been installed—19 under the state government and 30 through PRAB. These devices monitor river water levels, supported by 97 rainwater measuring stations, with 53 under the state government and 44 through PRAB. – Bernama
