Kelantan firemen brace for water shortages amid Super El Niño

Kota Baru: Water shortages due to the Super El Niño phenomenon may disrupt firefighting efforts in Kelantan, particularly if a prolonged dry spell follows the northeast monsoon, reports Farhan Sufyan Borhan, director of the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department. Arid conditions and reduced rainfall could escalate open burning risks while depleting water reserves vital for fire operations.

The department fears the Super El Niño may linger until March, jeopardizing supplies from hydrants, domestic networks, and open water sources. If the phenomenon persists until early next year, the likelihood of open burning incidents will increase, while water supplies could become scarce. This is because firefighting operations still depend on water from fire hydrants, domestic supplies, and open water sources.

Kelantan typically experiences a dry spell from late February to April after the northeast monsoon ends. In March and April this year, Kelantan recorded 1,920 open burning calls, compared to over 300 calls during the same period in 2023. However, calls have since decreased to once or twice weekly as the state enters the wet season.

Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department faces operational challenges, with districts like Tumpat and Bachok often encountering supply constraints when hydrant pressure drops or equipment malfunctions. Water pressure varies depending on the area's conditions and usage. The department has 10 water tanker trucks ready to be dispatched alongside fire engines to counter shortages.

In a firefighting operation in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, personnel had to pump water from the Golok River 300 meters away due to fencing blocking direct access, while the closest working hydrant was too far away. Firefighters will adjust water pressure during firefighting operations based on conditions and the extent of the affected area to ensure water is used efficiently, prioritizing preventing the fire from spreading to other areas.