Muhammad Sanusi says land reclamation to transfer 17 households along Sg Kupang away from the flood-prone zone is ongoing. – BERNAMApic
ALOR SETAR: The floods that hit Kedah's Baling district on July 4 caused an estimated RM28mil in losses, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
He said the losses included the destruction of houses, premises, infrastructure, vehicles and other property.
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"The estimate from the first flood incident (July 4) was carried out by the Disaster Operations Control Centre Committee set up by the Baling District Office. Eighty census takers were appointed to go to every home to assess their losses.
"The census is based on over 900 police reports made in connection with the incident.
"As for the second flood incident at the end of July (July 28), we have yet to (determine) the total losses incurred by residents,” he said after attending the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here on Wednesday (Sept 14).
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In the July 4 deluge that affected 41 areas, three lives were lost including a 23-year-old pregnant woman.
On a related matter, Muhammad Sanusi said land reclamation to transfer 17 households out of the "yellow zone" along Sungai Kupang had begun.
"We have started the process to build 17 new houses in Kampung Seniyek for residents living in the zone and we hope to complete it as soon as possible because we know they are worried each time it pours,” he said.
He added that when the area was inundated for a third time on Sept 6, the Bailey Bridge there was damaged due to garbage and wood debris.
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He said the state government had instructed the Public Works Department to expedite repair work on the bridge which had been raised by 1m from its original level which was too low to prevent garbage and debris from getting stuck there and impeding the water flow.
"Work to raise the bridge was completed in four days and residents were able to use it again last Sunday (Sept 11).
"I hope that the unpredictable weather will not cause any more floods and efforts are being undertaken by the Irrigation and Drainage Department to dredge the river and strengthen the riverbank,” he said. – Bernama
