ALOR STAR: The Kedah Civil Defence Force is ready to deploy reinforcements to Langkawi in the event of worsening weather on the tourism island this week.
Its disaster operations chief, Saifuddin Abdullah, said this following the Meteorological Department's forecast that heavy rainfall in Langkawi would persist until Thursday.
"We have stationed 30 officers in Langkawi, as well as three trucks and 14 boats to assist with operations there. We are ready to deploy more manpower to Langkawi if the need arises."
"Based on the MetMalaysia forecast, the heavy rain will persist until Thursday."
Saifuddin advised residents living in the 32 flood-prone areas in Langkawi to be on high alert.
The hotspots include Jalan Penarak, SK Langkawi, Pekan Kuah, Padang Matsirat, Kampung Belibis, Teluk Yu, Kampung Bayas, Kampung Mata Air, Kampung Ewa, Limbong Putra, Sungai Itau, Kuarters JPS Langkawi, Kampung Bukit Kemboja, Kampung Kuala Muda, Kampung Gelam, Kuala Teriang, Sungai Menghulu, Taman Langkawi, Kampung Nyior Cabang, Kampung Syed Nahar, Kampung Tanjung, Kelibang, Pasar Padang Matsirat, Telaga Ayer Hangat, Kampung Buluh Penyumpit, Kubang Badak, Taman Wawasan Indah, Kampung Cheruk Tokla, Kampung Tok Senik, Kampung Mata Air, Kampung Chandek Kura and Bohor Berendam.
Up to noon today, six villages in Langkawi were affected by flash floods following several hours of heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds.
The extreme weather condition saw trees falling across the island, and one landslide incident in Jalan Gunung Raya, Ulu Melaka.
Among the affected villages are Kampung Teluk Yu, Kampung Sungai Itau, Kampung Kilim, Kampung Padang Lalang, Kampung Pasir Hitam, and Kampung Kuala Melaka. Other areas affected are Telaga Tujuh, Pulau Tuba and Tanjung Rhu.