Disasters in Terengganu: 23 Families Forced to Evacuate Due to Heavy Waves and Winds

Hazardous Situation Reported in Kemaman and Dungun Districts

Despite the danger, people did not miss the opportunity to witness the big waves and strong winds at Seberang Takir Beach in Kuala Terengganu last night.

[PETALING JAYA: Huge waves have forced 23 families staying along the coast to evacuate in the Kemaman and Dungun districts in Terengganu.]

Those affected are being sheltered at temporary relief centers (PPS), with reports indicating that large waves and high-speed winds impacted 80 residents, including 66 in Kemaman and 14 in Dungun. According to the Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Zul Khairi Shamsuddin, the affected victims witnessed waves of up to 4 meters height and 60km/h winds, which lasted from dusk till midnight.

[Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Zul Khairi Shamsuddin]

Zul believes that more residents may seek shelter if the strong winds and big waves continue.

Causes Behind the Disaster: Perigee Phenomenon, Full Moon, and Monsoon Surges

According to Terengganu meteorological department director Rosli Zakaria, the situation is caused by the perigee phenomenon when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, full moon, as well as monsoon surges.

[Terengganu meteorological department director Rosli Zakaria]

This year’s unusual weather conditions in Terengganu, driven by the influence of these phenomenon, is projected to persist throughout the northeast monsoon period.

Damaging Effects: Shops and Properties

Shameer Talib from Kampung Geliga Baru shared his plight, as a strong gust from the winds swept him away from a collapsing roof; part of which was also carried away.

[Citizens facing the fury of the big wave]

Abdul Wahab Othman, 65, a chalet owner rushed back to Kuantan for assistance when villages informed him regarding the immense swells from winds.

Impacts: Fishermen’s Plight

Commercial fishermen like fish trader Manan Ali, who had suffered terribly due to unrelenting bad weather in some of his favourite fishing grounds had a more gloomy tale regarding his family fish business, specifically mentioning about two of his seafood shops destroyed following the terrible climatic changes the year in all his experience till date, describing the storm-like situation he now faced. They had their stores badly affected also due to harsh weather and poor coastal conditions experienced.

[Experts are expected in the coastal belt of the State]

Abdul Wahab Othman, a sea chalet administrator, is on his return drive from Kuala Lumpur to report these issues on all his affected seaside homes with villagers. In line with their request, we made sure the worst hit fish farmers in our nation received proper instructions.

[His comments]

Conclusion

This catastrophe is expected to continue to continue in the whole region. These events were monitored closely and recorded in all corners of Terengganu district.

Frequently Asked Questions

*How many families forced to evacuate are there?There are 23 families staying in the Kemaman and Dungun districts were forced to seek shelter in an emergency centre with reports showing both districts of some 66 for Kemaman in Dungun, in numbers 14.Due to dangerous weather, citizens are still residing in their designated temporary locations because they may do so for all of this day.

What brought about these high waves?Both the full Moon is here and is, the Perigee Phenomenon. Full Moon. Because of strong breezes. Waves of more gigantic dimensions could only be found.
*Is weather expected to alter?Rosli Zakaria reports that we foresee these rough breezes will happen for quite the while to begin with January is expected, specifically for these to last.
Where is it, then, located?All localities of eight except the State’s top will be threatened coastally.

Where can these fisherpeople survive?Aboard a rescue aircraft.