Floods Force Orang Asli In Gua Musang, Villagers In Tanah Merah To Evacuate

GUA MUSANG, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Nearly 400 Orang Asli in Kampung Pasir Linggi, Pos Lebir, moved to higher ground last night due to a sudden rise in the water level of Sungai Linggi. 

Orang Asli Village Security and Development Committee (JPKKOA) chairman Jamlus Musa said the river overflowed due to continuous rainfall over the past two days, flooding the low-lying areas and submerging the bridge, which is the only access point for the villagers to enter and exit the village.

"Twenty-four families living near Sungai Linggi have already moved to the hill since last night to avoid being stranded in their homes," he told Bernama today.

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According to the Gua Musang District Social Welfare Department (JKM) officer Bun Tham Eh Gin, the department has set up a temporary relief centre in Kampung Pasir Linggi, fully equipped with essential items for flood victims such as mats, towels, food, and drinks.

Meanwhile, villagers in Kampung Manal, Tanah Merah, expressed concerns that a major flood, similar to the 2014 disaster, could hit their village, as the river in the area overflowed, flooding homes, premises, and the main Jedok-Jeli road due to continuous heavy rain since last night.

A Bernama check found that the floodwaters had risen to chest level, forcing villagers to leave their homes and take shelter at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kelewek and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan  Tanah Merah since 9 am. 

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A grocery store owner, Rosdi Ahmad, 50, said the water from Sungai Manal, 200 metres from his shop, had overflowed onto the main road, flooding his business premises.

He told Bernama that because the floodwaters rose quickly, he could not save the refrigerator and other electrical items from his shop. 

Checks by Bernama at 4.35 pm found that floodwaters had submerged several cars and homes in the village.

Today, The Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a warning of continuous heavy rain at a dangerous level for Kelantan and Terengganu and the districts of Kuantan and Jerantut in Pahang until this Friday.

-- BERNAMA