Wet and in despair: Residents at PPR Desa Mutiara in Johor Baru trying to save their vehicles from the rising floodwater. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: For Nordiana Moidoo, 39, the flood that hit her village in Kampung Pasir Tebrau here following continuous heavy rain since Wednesday was the worst she had ever experienced.
She said the village was a flood-prone area but she never imagined the water would rise so high that only the roof of her house would be visible.
“I only managed to save my car and one motorcycle. Everything else inside the house is gone.
“Usually, the water level would only reach knee level, so I never imagined it would cover my entire house,” she said yesterday.
Nordiana, who is an accountant, also said that all her Hari Raya preparations, including her festive clothing and delicacies, were destroyed, with losses estimated at more than RM10,000.
Continuous heavy rain since Wednesday resulted in floods hitting five districts, forcing more than 2,500 people to be evacuated at 43 temporary relief centres here.
The floods also hit several major roads in Johor Baru, causing massive traffic congestions.
Many victims expressed concern that their Hari Raya celebrations would be a sombre occasion as their preparations went down the drain.
Factory worker Jefri Kamarulzaman, 43, said he only managed to save his family’s important documents.
“I was at work when my wife called at 3.30pm on Wednesday, saying that water from a nearby river had started to overflow and flooded the roads.
“By 5pm, the water had already reached waist level, and we were evacuated to the Kampung Pasir Tebrau community hall,” he added.
Jefri’s main concern now was his wife’s tailoring business, as the festive garments she had been hired to sew for customers were damaged in the deluge.
“My wife, Nurainu Habibi, 41, is a full-time tailor, and now all the baju raya orders are ruined.
“I just hope our clients understand our situation,” he said, adding that their three children’s school supplies were also destroyed.
SK Kangkar Tebrau teacher Siti Aishah Baharudin, 43, said this is the first time she has seen her school cut off due to flooding.
“Usually, the floodwater would only reach knee level, but now it has risen up to the first floor,” she said.
“I hope the affected parents and children stay strong in facing this challenge.”
Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the floods disrupted learning in 20 schools across Johor Baru, Kulai, Pontian, Kluang and Kota Tinggi.
“As of noon today (yesterday), we received reports that 20 schools had been affected. However, the number may increase by this evening,” Aznan said.
Of the 20 affected schools, seven were converted into temporary relief centres. Two schools were inundated, while 11 were inaccessible.
