Huge Waves Batter Homes 23 Families Seek Shelter In Terengganu

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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. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Huge waves have forced 23 families staying along the coast to evacuate in the Kemaman and Dungun districts in Terengganu.
They are now being sheltered at temporary relief centres (PPS), Bernama reported.
Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Zul Khairi Shamsuddin said the huge waves affected 80 victims; 66 in Kemaman and 14 in Dungun.
“Those living near Pantai Geliga and Pantai Paka witnessed waves as high as four metres, with speeds of 60km/h, starting after dusk and continuing until midnight.”
He said more residents may seek refuge if the waves continue to hit the shore.
“All seven districts, except for Hulu Terengganu, along the coast are at risk.”
Zul said 200 of his men had been deployed to monitor the situation.
Terengganu meteorological department director Rosli Zakaria said large waves can be influenced by the perigee phenomenon (when the moon is at its closest point to earth), the full moon, as well as monsoon surges; though, their effects vary depending on specific circumstances.
He expects the large waves to continue in Terengganu until the end of the northeast monsoon in March.
“For now, the strong winds and rough seas are expected to persist until Jan 18.
“While the large waves are a normal phenomenon, they will worsen when strong monsoon surges coincide with the tide,” he said.
Shameer Talib, 33, from Kampung Geliga Baru, said his roof collapsed due to strong winds and large waves late yesterday afternoon. Part of the wall was also blown away and he considered himself lucky to have escaped with his life.
In Kuala Nerus, seafood trader Manan Ali, 70, said his shop had been badly damaged by the worsening coastal erosion.
Abdul Wahab Othman, 65, a chalet owner, rushed back from Kuala Lumpur upon hearing about the huge waves from villagers.
He said two of his chalets were destroyed but was grateful six other rooms remained intact with only minor damage.
“This year’s erosion is the worst in two decades. The waves and winds have been unusually fierce and terrifying,” he said. - FMT

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