Kuala lumpur: The floods throughout the Northeast monsoon period do not only depend on rainfall but also are affected by land factors such as land-use change, population density, and the effectiveness of local drainage systems.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director-general (operations) Ambun Dindang highlighted that rapid development and changes to the terrain could cause different effects from the past even with the exact amount of rainfall. Ambun explained that whether an area floods or not depends on variables like development, population density, and drainage changes.

He noted that climate change and global warming affect existing weather systems, leading to frequent occurrences of extreme and intensive weather. He emphasized that a one-degree increase in global warming could cause the atmosphere to store seven percent more humidity, resulting in heavy downpours. Rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, and melting ice caps and glaciers, which cause sea levels to rise, pose further challenges to coastal countries like Malaysia.

Ambun pointed out the increased strength and frequency of typhoons hitting the Philippines and Vietnam as effects of global warming and climate change. He assured that MetMalaysia would continue to enhance its early warning system, which includes data gathering, data processing, and spreading information, to improve the country's readiness and enable action before heavy rain occurs.

Ambun mentioned that early warnings produced by weather models are within a three-day period, but information will be updated whenever atmospheric changes are detected. He advised the public to be more aware of current weather alerts, especially those living in flood-prone areas, and to follow instructions from authorities.

For those seeking information on weather, Ambun encouraged visiting the MetMalaysia website, checking social media channels, and downloading the MyCuaca app.