Floods: Number of victims in Johor swells to 28,099

JOHOR BARU: The continuous rainfall in most parts of Johor on Thursday (March 2) has caused the number of flood victims to rise to 28,099.

The state disaster management committee said another 15 temporary flood relief centres (PPS) have been opened to provide relief to the victims as of 4pm Thursday (March 2), bringing the total in operations to 197.

The number of evacuees is an increase from the 26,633 recorded at noon.

"Rain has continued to fall. There are now 9,818 evacuees from 2,758 affected in Segamat, which continues to be the worst-hit district.

"This is followed by Kluang with 5,547 evacuees, Batu Pahat (3,761), Kota Tinggi (2,868), Muar (2,259), Johor Baru (1,318), Tangkak (1,013), Kulai (719), Mersing (538) and Pontian (257).

"Only certain parts of the state such as Kota Tinggi, Johor Baru and Kulai recorded a drop in the number of flood victims while the others saw an increase," the statement said.

At noon, the Meteorology Department issued an orange alert to reflect the bad weather forecast in parts of the state such as Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru.

The committee issues a flood update every four hours and the next update is scheduled for 8pm.

Those affected by floods are urged to contact the Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (MERS 999) for assistance.