Downpour leads to floods in Melaka, Sabah

MELAKA: Heavy rains have caused floods in the city here and in Alor Gajah, leading to the evacuation of some residents.

The worst-hit area during the downpour yesterday was Bukit Beruang Utama.

Other areas affected include Ayer Keroh Height, Taman Melawis, Taman Malim Jaya, Sungai Putat, Taman Bukit Melaka, Taman Seri Jati Six, Pulau Nibong, Angkasa Nuri, Taman Saujana Section Three, Kg Bukit Tambun, Durian Tunggal, Taman Merak Mas, Taman Merbok, Taman Muzafar Shah, Bukit Katil Damai and Taman Ara Permai.

The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department said six people were rescued in Kampung Bukit Balai after the floodwaters there reached a critical level.

Villagers from KM16 Kampung Padang Keladi in Durian Tunggal also reported their belongings were damaged by the flood.

Meanwhile, in Sabah, some 55 people from 15 families were evacuated as floods hit 57 low-lying villages in Tenom and flood-prone Beaufort overnight.

A spokesman for the Civil Defence Force said seven families in Tenom were taken to the Kalang Kanar Cultural Hall while eight families in Beaufort were taken to the Mohd Dun Banir Community Centre.

The water level of rivers was rising due to ongoing rainstorms and there was the possibility of more floods in other districts in the interior and southwestern areas of the state, the spokesman said in a statement.

Floods also hit six schools in Beaufort and two in Tenom, but the schools had already been closed.