Factors Contributing to the Catastrophic Flood in Malaysia

Abstract

In 2014, a flood hit a Kelantan state located in the East Coast part of Malaysia, causing a massive destruction which left this state paralyzed. The National Security Council (NSC) confirmed that the massive flood that hit Kelantan was the worst in the history of the state. Most of the divisions of that state were flooded with water with high content of mud. Thus, this study was conducted to look at the factors that cause a catastrophic flood in Kelantan state, and it was particularly focused on one of the districts in the State, named Kuala Krai district. In conclusion, it was found that equally natural and human factors contributed the catastrophic flood in Kelantan state. This study led to several useful recommendations; one of these is to provide an awareness program for the residents in Malaysia on such disasters. This program can provide sufficient knowledge and awareness to the residents about the important steps or actions that can be taken in case of a flood in order to stay safe. The potential impact of weather modification technology, especially cloud seeding, on the Kelantan flood is shortly addressed, although further details of this risky technology would go beyond the scope of this chapter.