RED ALERT!!!

Typhoon Utor to blame??


The flood havoc seen in Johor and other states is the result of a new weather phenomenon. And while people in Johor can look forward to improving conditions by tomorrow, those in Pahang, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and the Klang Valley should remain on the lookout, possibly up to Sunday.


Johor Bahru, the flood came back after 100 years ago...

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said the heavy rainfall was brought by strong winds from the South China Sea and western part of the Pacific Ocean, the after-effect of Typhoon Utor which hit the Philippines recently.

"This is certainly not your traditional monsoon rains. This is a new phenomenon," he told a press conference here yesterday. "However, according to the Meteorological Department, the winds are tailing off, and rains that will fall in these states will be of lesser gravity than what Johor has experienced."

Dr Jamaluddin said the situation in Johor should improve by Friday, but relief agencies and the authorities in Pahang, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Selangor should, however, remain on the alert. "I hope the relevant agencies in these states are prepared for any eventuality. While the rainfall is expected to be less heavy than seen in Johor, the situation may warrant the evacuation of people," he added.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said in a statement that heavy rains were expected to continue over Malacca, Negri Sembilan, south and east Pahang and south Terengganu up to Sunday. When contacted, a department spokesman said the rains were not the sole reason for the floods as there were other contributing factors such as development and the drainage system in any particular area. He also refuted claims that these were the heaviest rains Johor had encountered over the past 100 years.


Kota Tinggi floating...

Floods worsened in the southern states, with the main roads leading into Kota Tinggi and Segamat in Johor cut off by rising waters since morning. More than 45,000 people in Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Pahang have been evacuated. Some 200 Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) substations in Johor have been shut down, leaving over 3,500 premises without electricity.


Segamat in flood scene....


Gemas too, badly affected...

Railway services to the south have been cancelled until further notice. Certain areas in Segamat had their water supply cut off after three treatment plants were closed. According to the Meteorological Department, more downpours are expected over the next few days.

I sms-ed Ku Zar (Ungku Azhar), the JB Triathlete, today & asked if he's OK in JB. He replied that his house area is fine, just that his triathlon training is affected b'coz many roads were damaged due to the flood.

All of the above natural disaster made me think twice now before making my way for the weekends' holiday trip. Maybe, I have to stick to my Plan B ~ long run at Bkt Aman-Hartamas; swimming at the clubhouse; weightraining & cycling at the gym. And the series of movies are waiting to be watched.


Anyway, to all of YOU celebrating Christmas, wishing you all the joy & happiness with your loved ones. Drive safely. Ho Ho Ho...


The rest of YOU, take care & take charge of your life & your loved ones too... remember always, SAFETY FIRST!!!