The dehydration of dry-season transforms into an issue of over-hydration during monsoon season. Constant heavy rainfall is soaked up by the parched (thirsty) earth. Once the earth has drunk its fill (or if the earth is covered by asphalt, and unable to “drink” in the downpour) the streets begin to flood.
Pathways and parasols (sun umbrellas), which protect students from the sun during dry season, serve the dual purpose of protecting students from rain during monsoon season. When pathways and parasols are not enough to protect students, faculty and staff from the downpour and transportation becomes treacherous (dangerous), the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, UMT, cancels all on-campus activities to prevent potential accidents, much like a “snow day.” One of my friends told me that last year during a “rain day” the water was so high it reached his waist!
Because flooding is such a prevalent issue in Malaysia, some people build their houses on stilts so they don’t have to welcome floodwaters into their homes.
