THE Penang government today blamed the unreadiness to face the flash flood disaster earlier this week on the absence of early warning.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng called on the meteorological department to improve its early warning system and accuracy of its weather forecast.

“It was regrettable no early warning of such a big storm was given issued. We were unprepared to face the disaster,” he said in a special address at the state legislative assembly.

Lim said this fact was acknowledged by Prime Minister Najib Razak in a close-door briefing when he visited flash flood victims on Tuesday, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the meteorological department only announced the red alert for heavy rain at 9.30pm last Saturday when the rain and strong winds had already arrived.

“There was no warning the wind would so strong, blowing at 40 miles per hour (64kmph).

“Disaster equipment assets like boats, large lorries and rescue personnel from various agencies could not be deployed in time.

“Rescue efforts were further crippled when strong winds uprooted over a hundred trees, causing roads to be blocked,” he said.

Lim said there was no choice but to call Zahid to ask for the military to be sent to Penang to help.

“There is need for the meteorological department to improve its early warning system and accuracy of its weather forecast.

“If the forecast is accurate, the state would be ready to face the first wave, or second and third waves that were supposed to come, as indicated in the red alerts that were given twice for this week

“But rain did not come. So the forecast was inaccurate. When there is no alert, we have to be very alert,” he said.

Lim said damage and losses, including fatalities, could had been reduced if the warning system alerted the state early.

While 12,559 people were evacuated, seven drowned in the flash floods brought by very heavy rainfall that was up to a record 372mm in northern Seberang Prai.

The House observed a minute of silence out of respect for the lives lost.

Lim said the northern Seberang Prai district was the worst hit, having the most victims needing evacuation of 6,028 persons, as Penang’s neighbour Kedah was also suffering heavy rain.

Rivers in Kedah, including Sungai Muda which flows into Penang, were full and caused floods in the state.

“There was no rain in Northern Seberang Prai after the initially heavy rain, but many areas became flooded because the water came from Kedah. The water was 3ft high in some places.

“Kedah tells Penang to pay for the water we draw from Sungai Muda, but can we bill Kedah for the flood that came from the state?” he said.

Lim also paid tribute to state and federal agencies, civil society groups, regular Penangites and volunteers from out of state who had worked tirelessly to help the victims.

“That is the true Malaysian spirit,” he said.

Lim also apologised over any possible weaknesses in the relief efforts. – November 9, 2017.