What is the annual land subsidence rate in Kuala Krai?

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Kuala Krai Experiences Highest Land Subsidence Rate in Kelantan at 4.22mm Per Year

A comprehensive 17-year study analysing Global Positioning System (GPS) data across 11 locations in Kelantan has revealed that Kuala Krai exhibits the most significant rate of land subsidence, recording an average of 4.22 millimetres annually. This research, conducted by Yong Chien Zheng, a surveying lecturer at the University of Otago in New Zealand, highlights a potential environmental concern for the state, drawing parallels with the severe land subsidence experienced by Jakarta, Indonesia.
Study Identifies Correlation Between Subsidence and Groundwater Extraction

The findings, published in a 2018 report titled "Groundwater extraction-induced land subsidence: A geodetic strain rate study in Kelantan, Malaysia," indicate a strong link between the sinking of land and the extraction of underground water. While the study could not definitively pinpoint groundwater extraction as the sole cause due to data limitations, the observed correlation is a significant point of concern for the region.
Potential for Worsening Land Sinking Without Intervention

Yong Chien Zheng has cautioned that without immediate governmental measures to manage groundwater usage, land in Kelantan could continue to sink, potentially leading to increased areas being submerged. The current rate of subsidence in Kelantan is compared to that of Jakarta prior to the 1970s, a period when escalating demand for groundwater led to extensive extraction and a subsequent rise in subsidence rates, resulting in a substantial portion of Jakarta now lying below sea level.
Groundwater Extraction Prevalent Amidst Concerns of Economic Growth

The extraction of underground water is reportedly a common practice among residents in Kelantan for domestic needs. Experts suggest that without a scientific framework to balance groundwater consumption with recharge rates, subsidence is likely to increase. Furthermore, projected economic growth could exacerbate this trend, although this remains a tentative prediction pending further data analysis.

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What is the annual land subsidence rate in Kuala Krai?

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