By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 31: Sarawak is expected to experience heavy and continuous downpours from December to next February as Malaysia braces for the north-east monsoon.
According to a report originally published by The Star, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director-general (operations) Ambun Dindang said the north-east monsoon will also bring five to seven episodes of heavy, continuous rainfall nationwide.
He said warnings on extreme weather episodes will be issued at least a week before the incidents, while warnings on continuous rain, strong winds, and rough seas will also be issued at least three days before the episodes.
In addition, Sabah is expected to experience episodes of above-average rainfall between December and February.
Other states to be affected are Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor, which are forecast to experience heavy, continuous downpours between November and December, with the situation expected to persist in Pahang and Johor next January.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said over 100,000 personnel will be on standby for the coming north-east monsoon season, with close to 40,000 assets also being readied.
He cited data from the irrigation and drainage department, which identified 3,683 flood hotspots nationwide.
In relation, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said 29 specialised rapid response teams are on standby nationwide to strengthen flood rescues. — DayakDaily
