FLASH FLOODS HIT 3 STATES
Wedding feast, homes and schools affected
SUNDAY’S downpour and high-tide phenomenon have led to flash floods in several spots in the west coast, causing authorities scrambling to assist displaced victims. In Kulim, a wedding feast almost came to a disastrous end when the bride’s house was hit by rising floodwaters in Kampung Sungai Tepus.
Faridun Wahab, 49, said fortunately, the feast was over when rising waters gushed into the premises following a downpour since 10am.
“The water rose kneedeep at 6.30pm. Luckily, the feast was over. We could not save anything from inside the house, including wedding decorations in the bridal room.
“We have decided to move to a homestay in Parit Buntar,” Faridun said.
The feast was held to celebrate his daughter, 21-yearold Fatin Norazlin Faridul’s marriage to Muhamad Sofi Nordin, 22.
The Civil Defence Department said 59 people from 13 families here had been evacuated to a relief centre at SK Sungai Kechil Ulu.
Besides Kampung Sungai Tepus, other areas affected by floods were Taman Cahaya Nilam in Parit Nibong, Kampung Permatang Pasir, Kampung Permatang Kerak Telunjuk, Kampung Tebuk Mat Rasid Dab and Perumahan Awam 1 and 2.
Bandar Baharu assemblyman Datuk Norsabrina Mohd Noor said one relief centre had been opened.
“The floods occurred due to Sungai Tepus and Sungai Donit not being able to handle the overflowing water due to heavy rain.”
She added that the Drainage and Irrigation Department would evaluate the depth of both riverbeds and take action to overcome the problem.
In Parit Buntar, a three-hour-long rain and a high-tide phenomenon caused flash floods in low-lying areas, affecting some 800 residents.
Among the areas affected were Taman Kerian Tambahan, Taman Setia Jaya, Taman Kerian, Taman Seri Tenggara, Taman Damai, Taman Abdul Raof, Taman Seri Semarak, Taman Setia Wangsa and Hentian Raya Parit Buntar.
Several main roads in the surrounding areas were closed to traffic after water rose to between 0.1m and 0.9m.
Perak Menteri Besar’s special officer, Datuk Abu Bakar Md Ali, said apart from housing areas, the flash floods also hit mini markets and more than 40 business premises.
In Port Dickson, authorities were urged to assist in solving the flood woes quickly as the three-hour rain on Sunday evening had been described as the “worst” experienced by locals.
Residents said more than 20 homes in low-lying areas remained inundated yesterday.
Pictures were posted on the “Port Dickson” Facebook page by residents in the beach resort to illustrate the dire situation.
Checks conducted by the New Straits Times found that among locations affected by flash floods were Kampung Bagan Pinang, Kampung SiRusa Dalam, Port Dickson town, Jalan Utama Sunggala Gate, Batu 8 Teluk Kemang and SK Port Dickson.
“It was so sudden. We didn’t expect it to be this bad and didn’t make any preparations.
“So, we could not to save our belongings.
“Our village is often hit by floods, but normally, it is not that bad.
“The water has never inundated our houses, but it is different this time,” said Ahmad Nazari, 45, from Kampung Bagan Pinang.
Bagan Pinang assemblyman Datuk Tun Hairudin Abu Bakar said the flash floods were caused by heavy rain during the high tide.
“The high tide blocked the outflow of flood water, causing flash floods in some areas.
“This is a problem that we have been facing year in and year out, but it is not related with clogged drain.
“We have expanded drains in certain areas here, but the problem recurs,” said Tun Hairudin, who is also state Tourism Action Committee chairman. Additional reporting by Mohd Khidir Zakaria
The water rose kneedeep at 6.30pm, and luckily the feast was over. We could not save anything from inside the house, including wedding decorations in the bridal room. We have decided to move to a homestay in Parit Buntar for now.
FARIDUN WAHAB Victim