BATU PAHAT: A four-hour continuous heavy downpour, coinciding with high tide at Sungai Simpang Kanan here, resulted in flash floods hitting several locations around Sri Gading and forcing 600 victims to evacuate.
Batu Pahat OCPD Asst Comm Ismail Dollah said the affected areas were Taman Sri Panchor, Kampung Sengkuang, Kampung Batu Sri Gading and Pekan Seri Gading.
“The flash floods were caused by heavy rainfall, which lasted from 1.30am to 5.30am, together with high tide at around 3am.
"This caused the river to overflow, resulting in flash floods that hit low-lying areas," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 14).
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ACP Ismail said a joint rescue operation was immediately launched by the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Welfare Department and district health centre with a combined team of 25 personnel and officers.
“Initially, a relief centre was opened at SK Seri Gading but we had to relocate it to SMK Seri Gading due to rising flood water.
“Efforts are currently under way to evacuate affected victims. There are about 600 victims from 190 families affected by the flood,” he added.
ACP Ismail said all major roads connecting Batu Pahat with other nearby districts could still be used by all vehicles.
