KLANG, Nov 7 — The Selangor government has stepped up monitoring of coastal embankments amid fears of seawater overflow and potential breaches amid a high tide phenomenon expected to last until November 11.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said monitoring is focused on high-risk areas, including Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor and Morib in Kuala Langat, to ensure the embankments remain in good condition.
“We are currently on high alert to face the high tide phenomenon. If high tides and rain occur simultaneously, the risk will increase,” he said after visiting flood victims at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at Masjid At-Taqwa, Kapar, last night.
He said the tide level today is expected to reach between 5.2 and 5.5 metres, increasing the risk of seawater overflow if the embankments could not withstand the rising water levels.
Amirudin said the State Disaster Management Committee is prepared for any eventuality, including the risk of embankment breaches that could require the immediate evacuation of affected residents.
“If an embankment breach occurs, we will inform residents to evacuate first before immediate repair works are carried out.
“The repair process will take time as seawater will continue flowing in. Once the embankment has been repaired, the accumulated water will need to be pumped out,” he said.
He stressed that the state government’s priority is to ensure the embankments remain in good condition while continuing efforts to strengthen the structures.
Earlier, Amirudin visited flood victims at the Masjid At-Taqwa PPS, which is sheltering residents affected by flooding in Kampung Bukit Kapar.
He said the number of families taking shelter at the centre had declined from about 30 on Thursday to 19 yesterday.
