TANAH MERAH: While floodwaters have receded in several villages in Tanah Merah, the anxiety among residents persists. Despite the cleanup efforts, many are still haunted by the question: "Will the flood return tonight?"
A check by Bernama at Kampung Manal, Kampung Kulim, Kampung Jerangau, and Kampung Paku revealed that residents have returned to their homes to clear thick mud and salvage any usable items left behind after last week's flood.
Kamilah Abdul Rahman, 73, a resident of Kampung Kulim who lives alone, shared that while the floodwaters have receded, she is still unable to feel at ease.
"I can't rest yet. Every year, our village is hit by floods two to three times. Now I'm cleaning the mud, because if I leave it, it will become even harder to remove," she said on Saturday (Nov 29).
Despite not having to evacuate this time, she took precautions by placing important belongings in higher places to avoid damage.
The floodwaters last week had risen to knee height, but even with the waters gone, Kamilah fears that another flood could strike at night while she is alone. "I'm afraid the flood will come at night, and I'll be alone," she added.
In Kampung Jerangau, Muhammad Aiman Sakri, 27, and his family have grown accustomed to relocating to the temporary relief centre at SK Kulim every monsoon season.
"This time, the water rose to chest level. Although it receded quickly, we can't feel completely safe until the monsoon season is over," he said, reflecting the shared worry of many residents.
Meanwhile, in Kampung Paku, Gual Ipoh, Lukman Hafiz Abdul Ghani said his family was only cleaning what they could, out of fear that the flood could return.
"Our house is in a low-lying area, so floods can happen at any time. Last week, the water almost reached inside, it was knee-high outside," he said.
In Tumpat, residents of Kampung Bendang Pak Yong are also on edge. Muhammad Zaidi, 44, said the water level had risen by about 0.3 metres since morning, but the situation remains concerning.
"The water is rising slowly, but it's worrying because at night, the situation can change suddenly. The rising tide also complicates things," he added.
He said some village roads are still flooded, and only four-wheel-drive vehicles can navigate those areas.
For Kampung Simpangan resident, Senah Deraman, 55, this year's floods haven't reached the scale of last year's major floods, but the sense of vigilance remains.
"It all depends on the conditions in Rantau Panjang. So far, there are no signs of a major flood, but as long as the monsoon is still ongoing, we can't relax," she said. – Bernama
