Sharp surge in number of evacuees in six states
LUMPUR: Six states – Penang, Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Kelantan – have been hit by floods, affecting 10 districts, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
The agency said the number of flood victims increased from 1,359 to 2,388 in 24 hours and that they were sheltering in 25 relief centres (PPS).
“A significant increase in the number of victims was recorded in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, while most PPS in the other states either showed a declining trend or no change,” it said in a statement, Bernama reported.
Nadma said eight new PPS were opened – three each in Johor and Kelantan and one each in Penang and Perak, while seven others were closed on Saturday and yesterday, namely all five centres in Kedah, and one each in Perak and Selangor.
It also said the Irrigation and Drainage Department had issued a warning of possible flash floods for several areas in Terengganu, Selangor, Penang, Perak, Kedah, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Pahang.
It said the water level of three rivers – Long Jegan in Miri, Sarawak; Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Kelantan; and Sungai Melaka in Batu Hampar, Melaka – was at the danger mark.
Eight rivers were reported to be at the warning level, namely Long Teru and Marudi in Miri, Sarawak; Sungai Sertim in Jambatan Padang Gudang in Bera, Pahang; Sungai Selangor in Rantau Panjang, Kuala Selangor; Sungai Siam in Kampung Sungai Siam, Kulai, Sungai Lenik in Segamat and Parit Kelilingun Kampung Pasir, Johor Baru; and Sungai Linggi in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
Nadma advised residents, especially those in areas expected to be flooded, to remain vigilant.
They can also obtain information via http://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my or the Facebook page Publiclnfobanjir or Twitter handle @Jpsinfobanjir.
In Muar, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said 4,057 police personnel and officers statewide were on standby for floods along with 134 assets comprising 29 boats, 40 lorries and 65 four-wheel drive vehicles.
“A total of 8,526 police personnel are being deployed in stages throughout GE15 with additional assistance from Rela,” he told a press conference at the Bakri police academy here yesterday.
He added that depending on the situation and needs, further assistance would be provided by other related agencies such as the army, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency as well as the Fire and Rescue Department.