KUCHING: Thunderstorms are expected to hit the northern shore of Sarawak within the next few days following the detection of a tropical depression in the Philippines.
An official from a state Meteorology Department said such weather pattern is not a Super Typhoon as claimed by several netizens.
He said this today when countering claims that a Super Typhoon is forming in the Philippines and looming over to the offshore of Sabah and Sarawak, creating anxiety among family members of those working on oil rigs and barges offshore.
A quick check on the Japan Tracking Centre website suggested that no Typhoon has been detected.
According to the claim which has gone viral, unprecedented and unpredictable effects of the Super Typhoon from the Philippines are coming over to the shore of Sabah and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) is not taking any chance and is in the midst of discussing about the unpredictable weather.
“Yes. We are discussing of how to response to possible impact,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Uggah Embas who is JPBN chairman when asked today if JPBN has heard of the claim of Super Typhoon.
Assistant minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh said on Saturday he also heard of the claim.
“Yes I just received it yesterday. Certainly we must take precautionary actions as weather nowadays is rather unpredictable and vicious,” he added.
As the impact and effect of the incoming weather pattern are unprecedented, people are advised to be aware of it and stay alert.
Some concerned netizens shared their worries.
“Never in historical data this Tropical Depression come so close. It is now in open water and can gain speed.”
“Closest to Miri – 2am on Jan 2 2019,” according to one of their posts.
The National Meteorology Department yesterday issued warnings, asking certain shippers to be on the alert over the next few days.
They have been warned of strong winds and rough seas. Strong winds and rough seas are dangerous to all shipping and coastal activities including fishing and ferry services as well as small crafts, recreational sea activities and water sports.
The past week saw flash floods and land erosion in various districts with heavy rains during the night and pre-dawn hours in many parts of Sarawak.
There is no sign that the heavy rains affecting Sarawak is going to end so soon.