KUANTAN: The monsoon season has begun in the east coast, resulting in flash floods and minor evacuation of settlements, with authorities keeping a close watch on the situation.
The Meteorological Department yesterday forecasted hea-vy rains in Kelantan and Terengganu to continue until today, covering several flood-prone areas.
The areas are Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru, Bachok, Machang and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan; and Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu.
Incessant rain hit Kelantan on Tuesday, where villages in the Kesedar estate near Paloh, Gua Musang, were inundated about 10pm the next day.
A Paloh Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said conditions returned to normal within two hours.
“The flash floods were caused by the poor drainage system in the area, following continuous rain from the day before,” the spokesman said, adding that villagers should be prepared for another flash flood.
Most of the state’s flood assessment points showed a rising trend since Tuesday.
Nevertheless, up to 11am yesterday, all rivers were below the alert level.
Authorities, including police and the Fire and Rescue Department, were on stand-by.
In Kuala Terengganu, floods forced 33 people from Kampung Cheting in Hulu Terengganu to evacuate their homes on Wednesday night.
People from seven families were evacuated to Masjid Kampung Cheting following heavy rainfall since Wednesday evening.
State Civil Defence Force director Lieutenant-Colonel (PA) Che Adam Abd Rahman said the evacuation had begun from 11pm.
“Heavy rain caused large volumes of water to run off the hills causing flash floods, which hit several houses. We expect victims to be home by today (yesterday).”
He said disaster management committees in the state had been activated.
In Pahang, some sections of Taman Negara were partially closed from today to Jan 15 due to risks brought by downpours.
Taman Negara Nature Tour Guide Association president Mohamad Anas Zainudin said: “Some of the trails will need to be conserved after a year of use, as well as factors posed by bad weather conditions.
“We do not want to take any risks, especially for overnight trails such as Gunung Tahan, which takes seven days to cover.
“Boat trips and trekking to Lata Berkoh, visiting Orang Asli settlements, night jungle walks, jungle trekking to the canopy walkaway and hiking up Terisik Hill will be open as it takes only two to three hours.”
Anas said if the situation worsened, the authorities would issue a warning to hikers.
“The weather and floods are more predictable today (yesterday). Up to now, it rains only at night.
“The resorts and chalets will remain open throughout the season.”
The monsoon season will last until March.