KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 460 locations in Terengganu have been identified as flood-prone ahead of the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to begin on Tuesday (Oct 27).
Terengganu Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) director Ir Osman Abdullah said Kuala Terengganu recorded the highest number of locations at risk, with 97, followed by Dungun (72), Hulu Terengganu (63), Setiu (59), Kemaman (55), Kuala Nerus (47), Marang (35) and Besut (32).
He said that apart from their proximity to rivers, a factor that makes certain areas more susceptible to flooding includes drainage systems that cannot cope with continuous rainfall.
"Among the main causes of flooding in Terengganu, particularly during the Northeast Monsoon, are prolonged heavy rain, which causes river levels to rise and overflow into low-lying areas and riverside settlements.
"High tides can also impede river discharge into the sea, causing water to accumulate and increasing the risk of flooding. The situation is worsened by drains and waterways clogged with rubbish and other obstructions that disrupt the flow of water,” he said.
Osman added that development and changes in land use also contributed to flooding as they could increase surface runoff and cause water to flow more quickly into low-lying areas.
He said the RM8mil Northern Terengganu Flood Mitigation Project, funded by the Federal Government, was expected to improve the capacity of the existing drainage system and reduce flood risks in the rapidly developing Kuala Nerus area.
The project is expected to reduce the flood-prone area from 700 hectares to 450 hectares, while protecting about 3,000 residents in the Gong Badak housing area from flash floods.
"The project, implemented by the Irrigation and Drainage Department under the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra), was handed over to the state government on Oct 15, together with the RM138mil Setiu River Mouth Conservation Project.
"The project is important in ensuring that rapidly developing areas have more effective drainage systems, creating a safer and more conducive environment for local communities.
"Improvements to drainage systems not only help reduce flood risks and their impact on residents and property, but also support the development of residential, industrial and commercial areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, Osman said the Setiu River Mouth Conservation Project was completed on Sept 1, 50 days ahead of its original contractual completion date of Oct 21.
He said the project involved the construction of two breakwaters, measuring 640 metres along the northern section and 585 metres along the southern section, as well as beach nourishment works along a three-kilometre stretch.
"The project also involved the construction of two training walls, each 160 metres long, and two revetments. Improvements to the navigation channel, which now has a depth of nearly three metres, will allow boats to move more smoothly and safely.
"The breakwaters help protect the river mouth, while improvements to the flow of river water into the sea contribute to reducing the risk of flooding and riverbank erosion,” he said.
Osman said overall, the Setiu River Mouth Conservation Project would not only improve safety and the efficiency of the river mouth, but also support the sustainability of local fishing and tourism activities. – Bernama
