[ALERT] Flash Floods To Hit The West Coast. How Do I Survive The Water?
These information on coping with floodwaters could potentially save a life, share the story to pass them on!
By Sadho Ram — 26 Dec 2014, 04:21 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
While Malaysians are rallying to deal with the worst floods since 1971, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has released further warnings that flash floods will also hit the west coast
Current situation in KL. Heavy rain. Becareful people. #PrayForMalaysia #InfoBanjirKL pic.twitter.com/fy7lX3oQRY
— ted mosby (@queazizz) December 25, 2014
On 26 December, Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, senior meteorological officer, said states in the west coast were expected to experience flash floods due to the short periods of rain there. He said the forecast was based on the movement of the prevailing North-East Monsoon, as per a Bernama report.
In the east coast, situation is becoming more intense with one 14-year-old girl drowning and several others disappearing in the current. Things are expected to worsen in the west coast with the constant rain.
1. DO NOT underestimate the power of water
It happens during most major flooding episodes: Someone tries to ford the waters in their car, only to see the car whisked away.
For one thing, it's hard to judge how deep the water is from afar.
And secondly, even relatively shallow water is powerful in mass quantity and when moving fast.
Don't make the mistake of thinking your heavy car will pass right through it—nearly half of flood-related deaths happen because of cars. And especially don't attempt to walk through it yourself.
2. During a flood, DO NOT walk through moving water
As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
nationalgeographic.com
3. Follow the flash flood warnings and take the time to move all electrical and delicate items you can carry to the higher levels of your home. Do it, don't ignore!
4. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances.
5. Before the flood hits, if possible, make sure to park your car in a multistorey carpark. Leave it there for a few days until the water subsides.
6. If a flood is likely in your area, keep a close watch of information and update announcements through radio, TV, or social media
7. In case flood is imminent, pack all important items, including your medication and documents, in case you need to evacuate from your home. Remember, more than 100,000 have been evacuated in the east coast!
8. Pack all your items in air-tight bags. Condoms serve as excellent waterproof covers for items like matches, lighters and mobile phones.
9. To protect your pets, place them in a float, and always near you. Watch them so they don't jump!
10. Whatever happens, DO NOT touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water!
11. Before your house is completely submerged, empty your bowels and bladder. Pee in a bottle, and please don't let go into the water, it's dirty. Also make sure not to drink excessively.
12. Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes even on a sunny day. Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials.
The danger is real, two areas in Klang had been flooded last night after continuous downpour
Assistant director (Operation) Mohd Sani Harul said as of 11 am, the situation was under control with no evacuations.
Among the affected areas were Jalan Datuk Abdul Hamid, Taman Sentosa, Kampung Budiman, Persiaran Hamzah Alang, Batu 5, Jalan Meru and Jalan Paip in Meru.