KOTA MELAKA: A total of 102 locations in Melaka have been identified as flood-risk areas following the spring tide phenomenon, which is expected to continue until Nov 17.
Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh called on residents, particularly those living in coastal areas, to remain vigilant over the risk of flash floods during the period.
A spring tide is a tide with an unusually high high-water mark and low low-water mark. This occurs around the new and full moons when the sun, Earth and moon line up and their gravitational pulls combine.
He said preparations included round-the-clock flood monitoring across six main river basins, as well as continuous recording of rainfall and river water levels.
“The early warning system is also being strengthened with the installation of 14 flood warning sirens and 10 monitoring cameras at strategic locations throughout Melaka,” he said.
Rauf said this at a campaign programme for the 16th Melaka election at the Barisan Nasional operations room in Kota Laksamana.
Rauf, who is also State BN chairman, said the 102 locations were identified based on records showing flooding at least three times in the past three years.
He said the state government had also provided various flood control assets, including 21 water control gates, 21 pump houses and 14 portable emergency pumps for deployment in critical areas.
Flood mitigation infrastructure was also being monitored, including 105 flood retention ponds and maintenance work in high-risk river basins.
In a related development, Rauf said 447 minor works costing RM40.38 million had been carried out this year to further reduce flood risks in the state.
“These measures reflect the state government’s continued commitment to strengthening flood management infrastructure, improving preparedness for disasters and reducing risks to the safety and well-being of the people.
“Through the Disaster Management Committee, the Melaka government will keep issuing announcements from time to time so that early warnings can be given and emergency response can be carried out effectively.
“The public, especially residents in flood-risk areas, are advised to remain vigilant and get the latest information through the Melaka government’s official channels,” he said.