‘High-risk basins, low-lying towns in northern states vulnerable’
PETALING JAYA: Northern Peninsular Malaysia is on alert as experts say severe floods in Hat Yai, southern Thailand, could spill over into Perlis, Kedah, and northern Perak in the coming days.
The warnings come amid the ongoing northeast monsoon, which already heightens the risk of heavy rainfall and flash floods.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia environmental and climate systems researcher Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil Md Din said the intensity of the Hat Yai floods is significant enough to influence northern Malaysia.
“The floods were driven by an active monsoon trough that produced very heavy rain, a record 335mm in a single day on Nov 21 and about 630mm over three days from Nov 19 to Nov 21.
“These rainbands could extend into northern Peninsular Malaysia, increasing the risk of continuous rainfall, flash floods and slope failures.”
He added that Malaysia has seen thousands of evacuations and several landslides in Perlis so far, signalling saturated soil and overburdened drainage systems.
“The immediate concern lies in several high-risk basins and low-lying towns. The focus should be on the Muda, Perlis and Kerian basins, and areas such as Alor Setar, Kangar and Seberang Perai Utara.
“These places are vulnerable to fast-onset flooding, especially if rainbands continue to shift southwards.”
Fadhil also said meteorological patterns in southern Thailand often extend into northern Malaysia due to semi-low-pressure alignment.
“When rainbands remain locked in the north, the Kedah-Bintang and Titiwangsa ranges could intensify rainfall on the slopes. This increases the risk of flash floods, small river overflows and landslides in Hulu Perak, Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu and other low-lying alluvial areas.”
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan earth science specialist Prof Dr Aweng Eh Rak said Malaysia is likely to see only minor spillover effects from Hat Yai.
“We are experiencing the northeast monsoon at the same time, so of course the extreme weather in Hat Yai has some effect on the states mentioned, but I think it is only a slight increase in rainfall.”
“It is actually a rain bomb; unusually high rainfall in a short period. Travellers should avoid visiting southern Thai districts until the northeast monsoon ends. Traders and residents could increase their level of preparedness compared with normal flood preparation,” he said, adding that the northeast monsoon is expected to last until March.
Hat Yai and southern Songkhla have recorded intense rainfall and disaster zones have been declared across affected districts. Officials estimate about 4,000 Malaysians have been affected, with some still stranded due to rising waters and disrupted transport.
