T.N.Alagesh
KUANTAN: Heavy rain lashed the state capital intermittently since early today providing some relief after a prolonged hot and dry spell.
The rain finally brought an end to the relentless scorching sun that had persisted for over two weeks, igniting wild bushfires in various locations and shrouding certain areas in haze.
The wet weather today also offered a welcome respite to exhausted firefighters who have tirelessly battled peat, bush, and plantation fires for days on end.
Yesterday, it was reported that Datuk Dr. Wan Mohammad Zaidi Wan Isa, the director of the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department, announced the utilisation of two helicopters for conducting a water bombing exercise today."
He said the helicopters — a Mi-17 and Agusta — will be deployed to douse the wild fires reported in Gebeng here and Rompin.
On April 8, wildfires exacerbated by the dry season were reported at Sungai Ular, Taman Pandan Damai, and Taman Indera Sempurna. These fires resulted in large deposits of ash being blown towards nearby housing areas. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1035676/prolonged-dry-season-...)
Last month, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said that thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds over a short duration, were expected to begin from March 29 and persist until May this year.
(https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1030168/transitional-monsoon-...)
