THE monsoon showers are here again to cover the country in a watery blanket. There is widespread anxiety and uncertainty about the future as the rainy season gets into gear, with people expecting more flash floods and landslides. Flash floods hit several parts of Penang recently following a downpour, causing massive traffic jams. People vented their frustration as flash floods are a perennial occurrence during the rainy season. Penangites had to go through several areas that were inundated with floodwaters to reach their workplaces. The major landslide in Taman Idaman, Serendah, Selangor, on Nov 26, which “swallowed” a food stall and nine vehicles, reminded Malaysians of the country’s long association with rain-induced landslides. More than 300 residents had to vacate their houses for safety as the housing areas were declared a red zone. A landslide is a process by which gravity causes rock, soil and other materials to move down a slope due to soil erosion, earthquakes or heavy rainfall. Malaysia’s tropical climate means it gets a lot of rainfall throughout the year and rainfall is a dominant cause of landslides in Southeast Asia, according to the experts. These rain-induced landslides destroy property, infrastructure and even take lives.
The question Malaysians should ask is what have the authorities learnt from Malaysia’s long experience with heavy rainfall and its attendant problems? Why do people have to put up with flash floods and landslides during this time of year, each year? Are the states in Malaysia ready to deal with the situation as soon as these disasters surface? Take landslides, for example. Government agencies should start checking areas where these are most likely to appear come downpours and issue warnings. Flooding is another. Again, government agencies connected to the issue should survey the waterways and, if necessary, widen and clear them while they are still dry. The question is, did they carry out research to locate regions prone to flash floods and landslides? Such identification would greatly reduce damage besides helping people living in vulnerable areas to take precautions. Do the authorities have data on flash floods and landslides since we are susceptible to them? Experts say it is possible to forecast risky zones and the results would be useful for the authorities to take action, for example, getting people in vulnerable tracts to go to safer places in time. It would also make travel on roads safer.
Malaysians must also play their part to stay safe during the monsoon. They should know what to do when they are at home, outside, or while driving, and if the power goes out. Schools should teach pupils to master tips that will protect them during the rainy season. Foresight means preparing to deal with rain-caused problems that emerge every year around this time. No one knows for sure what lies ahead, but the authorities could start planning for likely eventualities at the end of the dry spell and the onset of the rainy season. When precautionary measures are in place, minimal destruction of property and loss of lives are possible.