ALOR STAR: All districts in Kedah are expected to experience intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in the evening beginning today until Oct 30.
State Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director Muhammad Khalil Abd Aziz said the weather patterns are due to the onset of the monsoon transition period which is anticipated from mid-September until November.
"Based on our analysis, light and variable winds will persist throughout the Peninsular from Oct 23 which generally leads to thunderstorms and strong winds.
"As for Kedah, all districts in the state are generally expected to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms in the evening, especially in upstream areas, over the next seven days," he said when contacted today.
He advised the public to remain indoors and avoid power lines during heavy thunderstorms to avoid any untoward incident.
"Frequent lightning strikes, heavy rain, water surges and strong winds are likely to occur, especially in upstream regions. The public are advised to take note of the weather forecast," he added.
Meanwhile, state Malaysia Civil Defence Force (MCDF) director Zairil Anuar Zulmuji said that the agency is prepared to face any natural disasters during the period.
He said 1,100 MCDF personnel have been instructed to be on standby mode at all times and be ready for deployment in rescue and disaster management operations throughout the state.
"We have conducted meetings with all MCDF officials in the state to discuss our coordination to improve our disaster management operations statewide.
"In addition, we have prepared a total of 38 land assets and 85 aquatic assets to address potential disasters this time around," he added.
Zairil Anuar added that the agency has identified 260 flood-prone areas involving; Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar; Pendang and Pokok Sena and; Baling and Sik districts.
He also singled out Kampung Iboi in Baling as a high-risk location for water surge incidents.
"We have made the necessary preparations and will conduct regular monitoring operations in these high-risk areas, especially during heavy rainfall," he added.
Commenting further, he said the total number of flood evacuees in the state has risen to 118 evacuees from 28 families taking shelter in four temporary flood relief centres.
"Up to now, four districts are affected, namely Sik, Pokok Sena, Bandar Baru and Padang Terap. However, only four temporary shelters are currently active; two each in Pokok Sena and Sik districts," he added.
