Emergency aid: Evacuees getting assistance at the SK Titi Tinggi temporary relief centre in Padang Besar, Perlis. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The number of flood evacuees nationwide has increased to more than 6,550 people, according to the National Disaster Control Centre (NDCC).
It said Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis are affected due to the heavy and intense rainfall in the states.
Kelantan continues to face worsening conditions with a total of 5,463 people from 2,047 families taking shelter at 26 temporary relief centres statewide.
In Terengganu, 531 people from 146 families were housed at three relief centres while in Kedah, 356 people from 106 families are seeking refuge at flood relief centres. In Perlis, more than 200 victims have been placed at relief centres.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned that continuous heavy rain warnings remain in effect for several states, with Kelantan, Kedah, Penang and Perak on a dangerous alert level amid forecasts of intense rainfall.
According to an advisory issued at 4.15pm yesterday, continuous very heavy rain (danger level) is expected until tomorrow in Kulim and Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Penang, Perak (Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Manjung, Perak Tengah, Bagan Datuk and Hilir Perak), as well as in Kelantan (Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru, Bachok and Pasir Puteh).
A severe continuous heavy rain warning has been issued for Perlis, several districts in Kedah, Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as Sabak Bernam in Selangor, with downpours expected to persist until tomorrow.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are also expected in Pahang (Jerantut, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin), Selangor (Klang, Petaling, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Sepang), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, as well as Negri Sembilan (Jelebu, Kuala Pilah and Jempol).
The same condition is also expected in Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi), Sarawak (Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Kapit, Song-Kapit, Bukit Mabong and Bintulu) as well as Sabah (interior Tambunan, Tuaran and Kota Belud).
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Foreign Ministry and the Thai government will coordinate efforts to help Malaysians stranded in Hat Yai due to floods.
Ahmad Zahid said the government will receive updates on the flood situation in the affected areas through the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla.
“Coordination will be carried out with the Foreign Ministry and possibly with the Thai government as well as the Songkhla governor to channel assistance to our people there.
“We may provide heavy vehicles to transport them home,” he told reporters after launching the “Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat: Moh Kita Sihat” roadshow in Bagan Datuk, Perak, yesterday, Bernama reported.
In Sabah, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said his ministry is prepared to assist Thailand in handling the flood disaster.
However, he said that like Malaysia, Thailand had previously managed flood crises effectively.
“Like Malaysia, we do not immediately seek assistance from other countries.
“But if there is a need, particularly concerning the floods in Hat Yai, we will discuss the matter.
“We cannot intervene without prior coordination,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Armed Forces Family Day Carnival at Kubota Camp in Tawau.
Tenaga Nasional Bhd has also shut off the electricity supply to several areas around Kota Baru and Bachok in Kelantan due to the continuous rain and flooding in the state.
In a statement, the utility company said the shutdown was carried out to ensure the safety of users in the affected areas.
