PUTRAJAYA: While floodwaters in several states are showing signs of receding, the Fire and Rescue Department has issued a warning that more storm surges are expected as the northeast monsoon continues.
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said, based on past experience, there were typically five to six storm surges during the monsoon season.
"Historically, floods like those in Sri Muda, Kemaman, and Kuala Krai occurred after heavy rainfall between Dec 18 and 25. The Batang Kali landslide also took place on Dec 18," he said.
"As a precaution, we have advised our personnel to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality, even after the current floods have subsided," he told reporters at the Fire and Rescue Department Headquarters today.
Nor Hisham said that while floods were receding in most affected states, Perak saw a significant rise in water levels yesterday.
"We are in the process of assisting victims in returning to their homes," he said.
"One of the biggest challenges we face is that many areas are cut off due to floodwaters," he said, adding that although amphibious vehicles had been deployed, they could only travel at a maximum speed of 10 km/h on land, making access to these areas slow.
"Another challenge is that some areas, which have never experienced severe floods before, were suddenly hit this time.
"For example, Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, and Besut — 11 areas in these regions were caught by surprise, as residents didn't expect such high waters," he said.
Nor Hisham also expressed difficulty in conducting rescue operations at night.
Despite these challenges, he was confident with the rescuers' efforts.
He however said that he had been on the ground at these flooded areas over the last two days and rescuers were in good spirits and ever ready to help.