Abraham Choong’s Post

During the monsoon season, familiar images of inundated towns and displaced communities are becoming all too common. Floods have long been a challenge in Malaysia, but #climatechange has now become a threat multiplier, exacerbating their frequency, severity, and unpredictability. The reality is sobering: rising global temperatures are driving more extreme rainfall patterns and rising sea levels, while deforestation and unchecked urbanization further strain our natural drainage systems. These compounding factors mean that what used to be a once-in-a-century event (probabilistically) is now happening with alarming regularity. I recently weighed in on this with Benar News on how we can mitigate the devastating impact of floods by relying on #naturebasedsolutions and clear scientific data. Link here: https://lnkd.in/g2UmzKMA #floods #banjirMalaysia #KitajagaKita

😥 𝑴𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏: 𝑨 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 😓 This year, my sister was featured on TV3’s Wanita Hari Ini to share her experience as one of the flood victims in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. Her story, though personal, reflects the collective reality of many in my hometown—a reality we face every year. Yes, my hometown. Flooding during the monsoon season is not a rare occurrence for us. It’s something we anticipate annually, as the Golok River overflows its banks. The question is never if it will flood, but rather how bad it will be. This year, 2024, marks the worst flood we’ve seen in 45 years. It’s even worse than the catastrophic floods of 2014, which many of us thought we’d never see surpassed. The water levels have risen to unprecedented heights, bringing devastation to homes, livelihoods, and spirits. The monsoon season in Malaysia, especially on the East Coast, typically begins in November and lasts until the end of December. For us in Rantau Panjang, this time of year means preparing for potential displacement, loss, and uncertainty. Yet amidst these challenges, there is a resilience and unity in our community that shines. People come together to help one another, to salvage what they can, and to rebuild when the waters finally recede. I am proud of my sister for sharing her story and shedding light on the struggles our community faces. It’s not just about raising awareness; it’s about reminding everyone of the strength and spirit of those who endure these hardships year after year. To those who’ve reached out with kindness and support—thank you. Your empathy and generosity mean the world to us. Let’s continue to support one another, especially during these trying times. https://lnkd.in/eHRa_p-B #RantauPanjangFlood2024 #MonsoonSeason #MalaysiaFloods #WanitaHariIni #FloodVictims #CommunityResilience #EastCoastMalaysia #NaturalDisaster #StayStrongKelantan #GolokRiver #Monsoon2024 #DisasterAwareness #UnityInAdversity

Until 2024, Denpasar PDAM Customers Are Only 51 Percent of Total Population As of January 2024, Denpasar’s Water Utility, PDAM Tirta Sewakadharma, caters to 91,346 connections, covering 51% of the city's 753,000 residents. Most connections serve households, with South Denpasar having the lowest coverage at 46.3% and East Denpasar the highest at 52.8%. To improve service, PDAM plans enhancements in 2025. Denpasar's water loss rate is currently at 35%, surpassing the national average of 25%. Although reduced from 40%, efforts are being made to lower this rate further by replacing old pipes through a public-private partnership set to begin in 2026. District Metered Areas (DMA) will also be installed to improve water pressure management. The city's water production capacity stands at 1,268 liters per second, sourced from treatment plants and various drilled wells. Challenges plague production, especially from Penet and Petanu sources, leading to frequent disruptions. The Belusung plant produces 526 to 580 liters per second, while Waribang contributes about 268 to 270 liters per second. Supply issues with SPAM Penet and SPAM Petanu also affect distribution, particularly in West Denpasar. The ultimate aim is to optimize water flow and address shortages and outages in impacted areas. #AsiaOperations #Demographics #Indonesia https://lnkd.in/gJcscrAq

Three RTs in Pluit submerged in tidal floods up to 50 cm Three RTs in Pluit Penjaringan, North Jakarta, experienced tidal flooding, with water levels reaching up to 50 centimeters. As of 14:00 WIB, the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported water levels varied between 10 to 50 centimeters, while flooding in Marunda Cilincing Village had receded without displacing any residents. The flooding affected local roads, submerging Jalan Kapuk Muara Penjaringan at 10 cm and Jalan Pegangsaan Dua in front of Greenhill, Kelapa Gading, at 15 cm. Meanwhile, Jalan RE Martadinata near the Jakarta International Stadium had seen floodwaters recede. The DKI Jakarta BPBD is monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure proper drainage. The BPBD has advised the public to stay vigilant about potential flooding, urging them to contact emergency services at 112 if necessary. An early warning from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of possible coastal flooding from January 9 to 17, 2025, due to maximum sea tides and the new moon phase affecting northern Jakarta's coastal areas. Consequently, the Pasar Ikan Water Gate was set to Alert 2 on January 13, resulting in various puddles throughout the region. #AsiaRisk #NaturalDisasters #Indonesia https://lnkd.in/g4RDZkeC

Effa Wardah from Sabah, Malaysia, writes: "Dear Mother Nature, the matriarch nurturing all life, I'm in awe of your unmatched elegance and beauty. 🌿🌺 Your flora and fauna create a tranquil world. We apologize for our negligence and vow to preserve and protect your magnificence. 🌏💚 #ProtectNature #EnvironmentalRespect #NatureBeauty"

Early announcement of emergency situation of coastal erosion and landslide in Hoang Hoa (Thanh Hoa) Coastal areas in Hoang Truong, Hoang Thanh, and Hoang Phu communes (Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province) have experienced significant coastal erosion and landslides, exacerbated by high tides, large waves, and rainfall from storm No. 2 in late July and early August 2024. Reports indicate that approximately 25 hectares are eroded, affecting the properties and safety of 205 households (630 people). In response, local authorities are monitoring the situation, implementing safety measures, and preparing for potential evacuations. Thanh Hoa province is initiating a 3km sea dike construction project to mitigate further damage, funded by the provincial reserve budget. The region remains in a critical period, with ongoing risks due to seasonal storms and high tides, necessitating immediate action to protect residents and property. #AsiaRisk #NaturalDisasters #Vietnam Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/giWj4yWQ

Thailand's Grass May Not Be Greener There is a certain romance in starting afresh in a new country. You’ve done your research, and you’ve heard nothing but good things from your fellows. And yet, every individual is different, and the risk of disillusionment is real. Both young and old expatriates share their thoughts on what it’s like to live in Thailand. Is it truly the paradise you seek? Watch the Full Video at: https://lnkd.in/gVs3EcER

Start of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region Southwest Monsoon conditions have been gradually established over the southern ASEAN region with the prevailing winds blowing predominantly from the southeast or southwest. Persistent dry weather conditions have developed over most parts of the southern ASEAN region in recent days. There were a total of 33 and 44 hotspots detected in the southern ASEAN region, mainly in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan on 15 July 2024 and 16 July 2024, respectively. Many parts of the southern ASEAN region may experience periods of drier weather in the coming months. An increase in hotspot and smoke haze activity can be expected, particularly over fire-prone areas of the region. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eDEm6jY #ASMChaze #ASMCAlertLevel

7 Must-Know Tips for Growing Jasmine Indoors Successfully https://lnkd.in/eAAW74yr

Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region Northeast Monsoon conditions have become firmly established over the northern ASEAN region with the prevailing winds blowing predominantly from the northeast or east. In recent days, dry weather conditions were observed over the Mekong sub-region with gradually increasing hotspot counts. There were a total of 164 and 335 hotspots detected in the Mekong sub-region on 31 Dec 2024 and 1 Jan 2025 respectively. The hotspot and smoke haze situation over the region may worsen as the dry conditions over the northern ASEAN region are likely to persist in the coming months. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eDEm6jY #ASMChaze #ASMCAlertLevel