ALOR SETAR: The slightly drier weather over the past few days have spared the coastal padi fields here from further damage from flooding, even with higher than usual tides on account of the full moon, says Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh.
“The rain has stopped over the past two days, which has helped reduce water levels in the rivers.
“Although the high tide persists, its impact on padi farmers has been minimal for now, thanks to the drier weather.
“This year’s floods have also not been as severe compared to previous years,” he noted.
It was reported earlier that 18 coastal locations across five districts in Kedah were at risk of flooding following the high tides which will continue until tomorrow.
Ismail said farmers remain prepared and cautious, as October and November mark the inter-monsoon period, which is often associated with heavy rainfall.
“They know what needs to be done, and we are here to give them support.
“We have ensured that the infrastructure is in good condition.
Maintenance has been carried out, and we are closely monitoring both the water levels and the amount of rainfall collected in the dam daily to ensure we can act quickly if necessary,” he said.
Ismail added that water is being released into the sea through the barrage gates to manage levels.
“We release the water once it reaches a certain level. A few days ago, we opened seven gates and then closed them on Tuesday because the water levels had stabilised.
This week’s higher-than-usual tides are caused by the alignment of the sun and moon in a manner that enhances the gravitational pull of the moon, resulting in extra high and extra low tides, a phenomenon known as spring tides (not related to the season).
These tides can lead to coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas and are worsened by wind or heavy rain.
Yesterday, the highest tide in the coastal area of Yan was recorded at 3m at 1.06am.
In Penang, tides hit a high at 2.8m at 1.24am yesterday, while Klang saw sea levels reaching 4.7m at 6.48pm yesterday.
Kedah Civil Defence Force director Mohd Bukhori Mat Sidik said that based on data from the Drainage and Irrigation Depart-ment, the phenomenon is forecast to last four consecutive days starting on Oct 7, with waves reaching as high as 2.9m.
