BAGAN DATUK, Nov 27 — The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has attributed the recent flooding to a severe rainfall anomaly, noting that the unprecedented volume of water overwhelmed areas previously considered as low-risk.
Its director-general Meor Ismail Meor Akim said the rainfall recorded over two days was equivalent to the average precipitation for an entire month. The resulting deluge exceeded the ground's capacity for absorption, triggering the flooding.
"During my visit to Perlis, I was informed that numerous areas with no prior history of flooding were also affected due to this exceptional rainfall.
"This assessment is supported by data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department, which confirmed that the Sungai Perak water levels did not show a significant rise," he told the press during a visit to assess conditions in several areas around Bagan Datuk in Perak today.
Meor advised members of the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as the current heavy rainfall is forecast to persist until March next year.
"We are expected to experience seven episodes of heavy rain, and we are currently only in the first one. Therefore, we urge the public to comply with the instructions of the authorities and evacuate immediately if there are any signs of impending flooding," he said.
Commenting on the situation in Perak, Meor identified Bagan Datuk as a high-risk area, warning that its exposure to overflow from Sungai Perak could lead to a rapid deterioration in conditions.
"If the rain persists in Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, and several other areas, the overflow is expected to reach Bagan Datuk within the next day or two. I urge residents to evacuate promptly if conditions worsen," he said.
