JOHOR BARU: With more than 26,000 people forced to evacuate due to floods in the state, the fire and rescue department has sent helicopters and additional rescue boats to assist in operations here.
Johor is the worst hit in the country, far surpassing Pahang, which has 934 evacuees, followed by Negri Sembilan (704); Sarawak (361); Sabah (108); and Melaka (51).
The total number of evacuees in the country stands at 28,000.
Deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Edwin Galan Teruki (pic) said additional firemen from neighbouring states have been deployed to the worst-hit districts of Segamat and Kota Tinggi.
“We have deployed helicopters in Johor and Pahang, which are the worst hit so far.
“The helicopters will be used to rescue people and to carry out surveillance in flood-prone areas,” he said after a visit to Segamat.
Edwin said the department was preparing to mobilise even more manpower and equipment.
“We have more than 400 rescue boats and 140 heavy vehicles nationwide,” he said.
So far three flood-related deaths had been recorded in Johor.
Asked about flood preparations, he said the department has stationed additional boats in flood hotspots, as well as Segamat and Kota Tinggi, due to past flood incidents in the area.
He advised people in low lying areas to be prepared to leave if the floods worsen.
Edwin also reminded parents not to let their children play near drains, lakes, rivers or ponds during the floods.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued warnings of severe-level continuous heavy rain in Pahang and Johor until tomorrow, according to Bernama.
MetMalaysia said the continuous torrential rain is expected in the districts of Pekan and Rompin in Pahang, as well as Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru in Johor.
An alert-level continuous rain warning is also forecast for several areas in Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak until tomorrow.
In Terengganu, it involves Kemaman; Pahang (Maran, Kuantan and Bera); and Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat and Pontian).
Similar weather is also expected in Sarawak, covering Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu (Sibu and Kanowit), and Mukah (Tanjung Manis, Daro and Matu).
