How To Deal With El-Nino

Department Of Meteorology reported that El-Nino phenomenon will hit our country in the next few months. It is heating phenomenon which occurred at sea surface temperature each year in East Pacific Ocean near external coast of Peru. It furthermore could lead to the series of chain ‘climate change’ in worldwide. The impacts was the heavy rain in some area in other areas, long drought will happened.

As such, we should increase our sensitivity to know the current issues of El-Nino's phenomenon and make the better preparation. The issue is, have we take lesson of what was going on the past 10 years (1997/1998) during this phenomenon hit our country?

Department of Meterology on last April reported, temperature readings exceeding average maximum temperature of that month. Highest temperature which recorded for period 1 to 28 April 2009 is 36.1 degrees Celsius in meteorological station Petaling Jaya in 17 and 18 April. It is the highest temperature ever recorded. This phenomenon is stated to have happened as much as 12 times since 1951-1952 and last in 1997-1998. In 1998, highest temperature is 40.1 degrees Celsius recorded in Meteorology Station Chuping in 9 April 1998.

Year 1998 recorded is the highest temperature with 50 percent of high temperature being recorded. Water supply crisis in Lembah Kelang and haze problem be the big issue. At that time, South-East Asian countries namely Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand also suffered the same impact. Hot weather also step up climate sensitive diseases like cholera, dengue fever and malaria. El-Nino's phenomenon alleged is global phenomenon which need to be handled together among the countries.

Some scientist assuming that El-Nino phenomenon have closely relation with global warming. In spite of that, society should alerted on this phenomenon's impact to mankind and environment. This phenomenon is alleged having chain effecr, it is quite worrying to environment and human activity.

At least, there are three main effects would be felt if increasing temperature during El- Nino phenomenon occur. Firstly, effect to human health. When hot weather continuously happened, it is expected would lead to cause disease like cough, flu and heat stress.

Secondly, hot conditions will encourage to increase evaporating rate process from water catchment areas. Consequently, it would bring to water supply crisis. Water catchment areas such as dam, lake and river is worried will suffer depreciation caused by high evaporation rate. If this happens, action such as water rationing in some feasible region possibily to be made. Furthermore it will give impact on daily human activity. Some industry also use water as sources for products manufacturing process. Then, industry also predicted would received this impact.

Thirdly, dry environment could encourage occurence of fire. Usually fire occurs because of human action. Dry field area can burn easily if cigarette which still fiery thrown away to the dry area. Landfill also could release methane that potential in causing spontaneous fire.

What worrying, fire incident which occurred would result haze problem. During El-Nino 1997/1998, air quality badly affected by haze. It occur because of forest fires in Sumatra and altogether cause transboundary air pollution. It would also affect tourism sector.

Hence, society having important role in effort to help governments in handling the effect of El-Nino phenomena. Attitude "do not care" would only invite bad consequences. As sign of caring society, we should unite to do enough preparation.

Firstly, we should sensitive to listen current development of weather condition. Over the radio news, television, press and website as the important references.

For example, to know about weather forecast and Air Pollution Index, Department of Matereology Malaysia at http://www.met.gov.my and Department Of Environmental Malaysia at http://www.doe.gov.my can be made as main references. Both of this websites are very informative on environmental issue. Department of Environment website helps us to know Air Pollution Index's level (IPU). The available information help the people to plan their daily activities.

Secondly, during occurrence of hot weather, we should avoid from doing any activity which could cause fire. Inflammable material must be kept well while open burning activity such as burn rubbish, construction wastes and agricultural wastes should be avoided. This to avoid occurence of air pollution which can cause haze to environment. In case of fire happened, society needs to report the incident to the authority immediately.

Thirdly, in case of haze, society needs to take realistic action such as wearing mask when going out from home and get immediate health treatment if problems such as cough, difficulty breathing and fever are identified. At the same time, public also need to avoid away from doing outdoor activities that could expose to unhealthy air.

Fourth, to mitigate water crisis effect during El-Nino phenomenon, water saving must be practice start by now. Water consumption for bath, washing vehicle and washing clothes need to be limited. In the same time, people need to provide water tank to save water in facing any eventuality in the next few month.

Preparation on facing El- Nino phenomenon sometimes considered unimportant by some people. During phenomenon 1997/1998, many people grumble because lack of water supply and hazy problem. Many people blaming the government, which look not serious to make enough preparation to face the phenomenon.

Actually, people need to change their attitudes.This is because issue related with environment is the responsibility of all. We should be prepared to face it and together helping the government.