Rantau Panjang worst-hit so far

Come rain or shine: A stall owner in Rantau Panjang decided to open for business despite the floods.

PETALING JAYA: Rantau Panjang town in Kelantan is entirely flooded, the worst-hit by floods in the state so far.

And the weatherman is predicting more rain over parts of Kelantan and Terengganu for today and tomorrow.

National Disaster Management Agency operations director Datuk Azizan Taat said although other areas showed signs of receding floods, the town located along the state’s border with Thailand was still badly affected.

“Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang is still above the danger level of 9m. We hope things will not get worse, but it’s hard to say with this uncertain weather,” he said.

A total of 1,284 people were evacuated from their homes yesterday as Sungai Golok rose to 10.22m, flooding Rantau Panjang town entirely.

The victims from 351 families had been evacuated to 27 relief centres. In addition, there are 510 evacuees in Kuala Krai, followed by Tanah Merah (312), Jeli (283), Pasir Mas (100) and Machang (79).

Azizan said the Fire and Rescue Service Department, Civil Defence Force and several volunteer groups were helping the victims.

They include Umno’s welfare bureau, which is handing out food and other essential items to victims at evacuation centres.

“We have begun giving aid to victims in Pasir Mas and will go to Machang, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai and Jeli,” said bureau chief Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.