SETIU: Heavy rain, strong wind and high tide phenomena over the next couple of days will usher in the New Year for people in the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang as well as Johor.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert on heavy rain and an orange alert on strong winds of up to 60km per hour along the coastal areas until Jan 2.
The Drainage and Irrigation Department has also issued its latest high tide forecast of up to 3.5 metres in Kemaman from midnight, ebbing at 2.50am, which will take place until Jan 6.
In Kuala Terengganu, the high tide phenomenon will occur at 11pm. This will see the sea level rise up to 2.5 metres.
Terengganu's Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, Chief Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Che Adam A Rahman, said the climatic conditions over the next few days may result in the next wave of floods in Terengganu and in other states in the east coast.
"We are making all the necessary preparations to help disaster victims in the fifth wave of floods in Terengganu.
"We expect floods will hit the low-lying areas first should water levels in major rivers burst their banks following heavy rain and compounded by the high tide phenomenon," he told the New Straits Times.
Che Adam said those who were affected by floods during the fourth wave must be prepared to evacuate their homes once told to do so by rescue agencies.
"Most importantly, those affected by floods and are required to move to relief centres have to strictly follow the standard operating procedures as we are still fighting the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.
