Johoreans urged to prepare for extreme weather

Johoreans urged to prepare for extreme weather

PEOPLE in Johor should brace for flash floods and strong winds as the southwest monsoon comes to an end and the inter-monsoon season approaches, warns a climate expert.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Hydraulics and Hydrology Research Group leader Dr Nor Eliza Alias said Johor’s unique geographical position made it susceptible to extreme rainfall during both the northeast and southwest monsoons.

“This means that heavy rainfall here can be influenced by both monsoons,” she told StarMetro.

According to her, rainfall records since the 1980s show that Johor typically receives more heavy rain during the northeast monsoon, which occurs between November and March.

“However, this year has already seen unusual weather patterns, with several episodes of torrential rain leading to flash floods in Johor Baru and surrounding areas in March, April and June.

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“The flash floods in March were among the most severe recorded this year.

“Previously, heavy rainfall in Johor was usually associated with the northeast monsoon, not the southwest.

“The short but intense thunderstorms in the afternoons are linked to localised rainfall, especially in urban areas where heat is concentrated.

“This is connected to the urban heat island effect,” said Nor Eliza.

She also highlighted that climate change had altered both the timing and location of rainfall, making heavy rain more common, not just during monsoon seasons but also during the transition periods.

“As we approach the end of the southwest monsoon, extreme rainfall can still occur, particularly during the inter-monsoon period.

“Typhoons over the South China Sea between July and September can also bring heavy rain to Johor,” said the UTM lecturer.

She warned there was a risk of flash floods and strong winds in Johor Baru during this phase.

She urged residents to remain alert and make use of official early warning systems to preparefor sudden weather events.

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“The authorities already have clear preparedness and response procedures under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), but the public must also be proactive in preparing for emergencies,” said Nor Eliza.

She encouraged people to check reliable sites such as Public Info Banjir, MyCuaca, Info Bencana JKM and eBencana JKR, as well as the official social media pages of MetMalaysia, Nadma, Drainage and Irrigation Department and Civil Defence Force for updates.