Heavy rain gives Kuantan folk brief respite from hot spell, but flood worries mount

KUANTAN: Heavy rain which has lashed the state capital intermittently since yesterday offered some relief after a prolonged hot and dry spell.

While the rain brought an end to the uninterrupted sunshine which lasted for weeks, there were concerns of flash floods in certain areas including Sungai Lembing.

Sungai Lembing Chinese community leader Tang Siew Fong said rain since 5am resulted in low-lying areas, including the town centre, being inundated with water up to a metre deep.

"Sungai Kuantan near Bukit Kenau burst its banks about noon today, leaving some roads in town inundated. However, rain stopped about 5pm and the flood water is showing signs of easing up.

"Due to the continuous hot weather, the rain was totally unexpected. The rain has certainly resulted in cooler temperatures but it is going to be worrying if the downpour resumes later tonight," he said when contacted.

Sungai Lembing Chinese community leader Tang Siew Fong said rain since 5am resulted in low-lying areas, including the town centre, being inundated with water up to a metre deep. - NSTP / courtesy of Tang Siew Fong
Sungai Lembing Chinese community leader Tang Siew Fong said rain since 5am resulted in low-lying areas, including the town centre, being inundated with water up to a metre deep. - NSTP / courtesy of Tang Siew Fong

Meanwhile, a Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the downpour brought a brief respite to firemen involved in battling bush fires which began early this month.

"The dry weather had triggered forest fires, keeping firemen busy. The heavy rain since morning has certainly helped bring the situation under control and had completely doused the fire in some areas," he said.

Some 200 firemen were involved in battling forest fires in the state capital, Pekan and Rompin since early this month.

Meanwhile Kuantan Civil Defence Force officer Zubaidah Said said no villagers have been evacuated due to the flash floods in Sungai Lembing and they are continuously monitoring the situation at low-lying areas.

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