What is La Nina?
La Nina means "little girl" in Spanish. La Nina is the name given to a weather phenomenon that refers to the occurrence of cooler than normal surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean.
The effects of La Nina
La Nina is expected to bring unusually heavy rains, generally around the Pacific region, and more specifically in the areas between Australia and Indonesia.
Malaysia is also expected to be affected by La Nina due to its geographical position.
La Nina’s worst effected are expected during the North East Monsoon which starts from October onwards.
On the whole, La Nina can cause flooding on disastrous proportions. Low-lying areas will be especially affected and this can cause loss of life and possessions.
This can be avoided if everyone knows what to do to encounter La Nina.
A. Getting Ready For Flood
Don’t throw your rubbish into drains or rivers. Clogged drains will cause worse flooding in your area. Throw your garbage into proper rubbish bins.
Take the initiative to clean clogged drains in your area.
Always be careful when it rains heavily.
Always listen to the radio, television or other media for warning announcements on floods.
Keep all important telephone numbers near your phone.
Collect and keep all important documents and valuables in a waterproof bag such as a plastic bag. The documents as:
Names of all family members
Identification cards (ICs)
Birth certificates
Certificate of citizenship
Jewelry
Money
B. When Floods Occur
Don’t panic!
Ask the authorities for help if you face any problems.
Don’t try cross deep and/or dangerously fast floodwaters.
If you have to cross the flood, walk in a group. Use a stick to make sure the ground is there before you make your next step. Watch out for floating objects.
Follow instructions when asked to move from your home.
Before leaving your home, make sure that you bring along your important documents.
Make sure all doors and windows are closed before you leave your home.
Make sure electrical switches have been switched off before leaving your home.
Those Who are not evacuated
Immediately contact the authorities if your food supply has been cut off by reporting a list of the names of family members, their IC numbers, ages and sex.
Immediately report the occurrence of illnesses such as fever, diarrhoea and vomiting to the authorities or the nearest health clinic.
If your connecting roads are totally cut off and you need immediate help, wave a white clearly in an open area that can be easily seen from the air.
3. After the floods
First make sure the situation has improved before returning to your home.
Clean the area around your house. Burn all rubbish and bury all dead animals.
Boil your drinking water and eat cooked food. Prevent water-borne diseases.
Give your full cooperation to Health Officers who conduct health and cleanliness checks.
Report all loss of belongings due to floods in a complete list and give it to the authorities.