ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is on high alert mode ahead of an upcoming monsoon surge, with a potential second wave of floods anticipated in seven districts in the state.
Kedah APM deputy director Major (PA) Muhammad Suhaimi Mohd Zain said the agency's 903 personnel in the state are fully prepared for deployment from tomorrow until Dec 11.
"Our focus will be on rivers in the Sungai Muda and Sungai Kedah basins, which are likely to be affected.
"This could impact the seven districts, which are Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu, Pendang, Padang Terap, Pokok Sena, Sik and Baling," he said after monitoring operations along Sungai Kedah in Alor Star today.
He added that thirteen rivers in the Sungai Kedah basin and five in the Sungai Muda basin prone to overflow and cause flooding have been identified for close monitoring.
"For the Sungai Kedah basin, this includes Sungai Kedah and Sungai Baru in Kota Setar, Sungai Bata and Sungai Temin in Kubang Pasu, Sungai Pedu and Sungai Nawa in Pokok Sena, Sungai Pedu and Sungai Padang Terap in Padang Terap, as well as Sungai Pendang and Sungai Padang Kerbau in Pendang.
"For the Sungai Muda basin, this includes Sungai Chepir in Sik, Sungai Ketil, Sungai Kupang and Ulu Legong in Baling, as well as Sungai Kulim Ulu in Kulim."
Suhaimi added that continuous rainfall could worsen conditions, particularly in areas already affected last week, which saw the evacuation of more than 8,000 people to over 50 flood relief centres.
"At present, two districts, Kubang Pasu and Kota Setar, remain affected, with 14 temporary flood relief centres housing 566 families and 1,856 individuals.
"Some areas are still dealing with stagnant floodwaters, and the Drainage and Irrigation Department is working hard to channel the water to other locations," he said.
To address emergencies, Suhaimi said the agency is also monitoring social media for real-time updates.
"There have been instances where victims sought help through live broadcasts after becoming trapped. Such situations require immediate action.
"While we will respond promptly, we urge residents to evacuate as directed and follow authorities' instructions to prevent unwanted incidents," he said.
On Thursday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued an alert-level continuous rain warning for seven states, from tomorrow until Dec 11.