NADMA says recent flooding in low-risk areas was caused by a severe rainfall anomaly, with two days’ rain equalling a month’s average.
BAGAN DATUK: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has attributed recent flooding to a severe rainfall anomaly that overwhelmed previously low-risk areas.
Director-General Meor Ismail Meor Akim explained that rainfall recorded over two days equalled the average precipitation for an entire month.
The resulting deluge exceeded the ground’s absorption capacity, directly triggering the flooding.
“During my visit to Perlis, I was informed that numerous areas with no prior history of flooding were also affected due to this exceptional rainfall,” he said.
“This assessment is supported by data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, which confirmed that the Sungai Perak water levels did not show a significant rise,” he told reporters during a visit to assess conditions in Bagan Datuk.
Meor Ismail advised the public to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall is forecast to persist until March next year.
“We are expected to experience seven episodes of heavy rain, and we are currently only in the first one,” he said.
He urged the public to comply with authorities’ instructions and evacuate immediately if signs of impending flooding appear.
Commenting on Perak’s situation, he identified Bagan Datuk as a high-risk area vulnerable to overflow from Sungai Perak.
“If the rain persists in Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, and several other areas, the overflow is expected to reach Bagan Datuk within the next day or two,” he advised.
He urged residents to evacuate promptly if conditions worsen.
