Evacuees return home to be greeted by muddy mess

No time to rest: Mazalan, (left) spraying the mud away at his home.

KLUANG: Villagers who were forced to evacuate their houses at Kampung Paya Palembang due to the floods have returned home to clean up the muddy mess.

They are also trying to salvage other belongings before the skies open up again.

Odd job worker Zainuddin Kamsin, 50, said most of his belongings were destroyed by the floods.

“It happened so fast. I could only take some essential items, clothes and toiletries before rushing to the relief centre. We are back today to clean up the mess and shift items such as furniture, wardrobe, refrigerator and washing machine to higher ground as we anticipate another round of floods,” he said.

Retiree Mazalan Mohd Nordin, 57, said he had to clean up his house despite an operation on his right leg several months ago.

“It is better to clean up now when the water has receded and before the mud hardens,” he said.

Factory operator Ramnah Ahmad, 49, said she did not expect the flood waters to rise so fast after a two-hour downpour.

“Usually, our neighbourhood will be flooded after three days of rain,” she said.

Kluang district officer Mohd Fuad Radzuan said the authorities were monitoring the Machap dam and river level closely.

He said they would assist villagers leave their homes if the rainy spell persisted.

Johor Social Welfare Department deputy director Datuk Daud Arbah said flood victims were provided with enough essential items during their stay at relief centres.

“They are only allowed to return home after getting permission from the local authorities,” he said, adding that they could go back temporarily to retrieve important items.