Written by: Averroes
Introduction
It is estimated that 30,000 people had been displaced by the flood that swept the country. Malaysia is a tropical country that experiences stormy weather, due to the monsoon winds that occur regularly by the end of each year. The wind comes from the South China Sea.
The States that are usually effected every year are Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor. The tides would also rise and it would destroy local amenities and public facilities, such as roads, restaurants and other premises. However, another statistic revealed that it had increased to 41,000 people.
Now, the flood impacted other States, particularly situated in the Klang Valley and West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Adding all the States to the list, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) stated that the areas affected were Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Perak.
Effects
The continuous rain since Friday had caused several roads, residential areas and cities flooded, which had disrupted daily activities and the flow of traffic, leaving many stranded. Food and water became scarce and people are in dire need of accommodation or shelter. This is due to their houses being flooded, which could even reach their torsos.
Many important highways in the country had been inundated, hence many people travelling inter-state would have to take an alternative route, or remain isolated from where they are and would have to wait until the flood situation recuperates.
Most importantly, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor being the richest areas in the country has been dreadfully affected and its residents are fleeing to other safe havens. However, the flood is slowly dissipating and business is gradually resuming.
Morbidly, five men had lost their lives in Selangor and Pahang. The deceased were believed to have drowned, according to police sources. Another death was a result of his car was brought along with the strong flood currents. It later submerged. Another eight were missing and was speculated to have been drifted by the rapids too.
Scientific Reasoning
According to the Prime Minister, Tan Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the amount of rain that dropped in Selangor was the collection of a 'one-month's worth' of rain. However, this is not the first time in history, as the country was struck with the worst back in 2014 with 118,000 people displaced.
The annual rainfall in Kuala Lumpur is 2,4000mm, but number drastically changed due to the flood and accumulation of an entire month drop. This incident is rare and only occurs once in a hundreds years, which the Environment and Water Ministry (KASA) secretary-general Zaini Ujang quoted.
He added that it was indeed the monsoon flow phenomenon and low pressure weather system that achieved the level of a tropical depression which formed in the South China Sea as identified by the Meteorological Department on 12th December.
However, the rain is expected to recede as the low pressure weather are shifting away to the Melaka Straits and into the Andaman Sea.
Response
The Prime Minister had sought to provide rapid aid and humanitarian support for flood victims, totaling up to RM100 million. RM1000 were also given to those households affected by the floods. Many NGOs and individuals are lending a hand to help those in need. From University administrations to other public educational institutions, many students would have 1 week break from their studies and halt all educational operations, including submitting assignments, classes and exams.
On social media, many had been sharing donations accounts and crowdfunding to channel the funds to the flood victims. According to the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA), it is estimated that the repair costs for property owners would be between RM5000 to RM10,000 per house.
Electronical appliances, vehicles and other utilities inside a house were seriously damaged. Not just the homes, but costs of reparations involved schools, supermarkets, wiring, communications and other infrastructures. Together, both the government and NGOs are cooperating so that food, water, clothes shelters and other basic necessities are provided. A number of local MPs representing their constituencies were also seen dropping by to lend a helping hand.
Is it all science?
Since our country is rainy-tropical climate, it is reasonably foreseeable that we should improve our infrastructure and aid response. We should not only blame mother nature and force majeure, because the occurrence of flood are also the activity of humans. Due to human activities, the global temperature are increasing by day from human emission of GHG and continued development. Many jungles and vegetation are replaced with concrete structures and if no mitigation measures are taken, the world would continuously submerge.
Modernisation had also caused improper sanitation and waste disposal. Since the sewage systems are improperly managed, this had exacerbated the situation, unless we come up with better technologies, laws, policies and infrastructures. We may provide humanitarian aid and financial support, but these are short-term ways, but as no means should not be discouraged. Any positive contributions are always contributions, and there is no fixed or permanent solutions to everything.
References;
Agence France-Presse. (December, 2021) Malaysia’s worst flooding in years leaves 30,000 people displaced. Retrieved from, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/19/malaysias-worst-flooding-in-years-leaves-30000-people-displaced
Channel News Asia. (December, 2021) ‘Once in a 100 years’ flood: Five killed and 41,000 displaced in Malaysia. Retrieved from, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-flood-two-deaths-selangor-pahang-over-41000-people-displaced-2390856
MalayMail. (December, 2021) One in 100-year downpour: A month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours, says environment sec-gen. Retrieved from, https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/12/19/one-in-100-year-event-rainfall-yesterday-equaled-average-monthly-rainfall-s/2029661
New Straits Times. (December, 2021) Floods disrupt several Klang Valley highways. Retrieved from, https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/12/755612/floods-disrupt-several-klang-valley-highways
Lim, I. (December, 2021) Malaysian relief agency estimates each flood-hit homeowner may need up to RM10,000 to fix damaged property. Retrieved from, https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/12/20/malaysian-relief-agency-estimates-each-flood-hit-homeowner-may-need-up-to-r/2029793
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