Kelantan residents prepare for Super El Nino, fear wells could run dry

Kota Baru residents are preparing for the Super El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to impact the state starting November. Many are concerned that their underground wells, typically 20 to 40 feet deep, might dry up due to prolonged hot weather. Abdul Aziz Wahab, a 40-year-old grocery shopkeeper, expressed worry about potential water shortages and said his family is taking early steps to prevent the issue.

Housewife Nor Fatihah Salleh, 37, shared similar concerns, stating she has been relying on underground water for five years and plans to dig deeper in response to the forecasted phenomenon. Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department director Farhan Sufyan Borhan confirmed the department's readiness for the expected Super El Nino, highlighting the increased risk of open burning.

He warned that temperatures could reach up to 38-39 degrees Celsius in Kelantan, with some areas in Perlis possibly experiencing 41 degrees Celsius. Farhan emphasized the significant impact of open burning during the dry spell, which could complicate firefighting operations if water levels drop. The department has recorded 1,904 calls related to open burning this year, compared to 375 calls during the previous year.

Farhan also noted that water levels remain normal for now, but if they drop next year, obtaining water from rivers, ponds, and lakes for firefighting could become more challenging. He further highlighted peatland areas in Bachok, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, and Tanah Merah as areas of concern, as fires in these regions may be harder to extinguish.

Most open-burning incidents are caused by deliberate burning of rubbish or land clearing, which, while cheap and effective for land preparation, can become dangerous if not properly controlled.