Flood Situation Worsens In Perak, Penang And Kedah

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Continuous heavy rain in the northern Peninsula has worsened flood conditions in Perak, Kedah and Penang, with the number of evacuees at relief centres rising to 4,743 tonight, compared to 4,252 this evening.

In PERAK, flood victims across four districts increased to 2,806 people from 955 families as of 8 pm, compared to 2,496 people from 857 families earlier.

The Perak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat (JPBN) said another relief centre had been opened in Manjung, at SK Pantai Remis, bringing the total to 25 centres now operating in the districts of Larut Matang and Selama, Manjung, Kerian and Perak Tengah.

In PENANG, seven relief centres are currently housing 928 people from 252 families as of 8 pm, up from 749 evacuees from 225 families at eight centres this afternoon.

According to the Social Welfare Department’s disaster info portal, two of four centres in Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) — Dewan Banjir Guar Jering and Sekolah Rendah Islam Maahad At-Tarbiah Guar Jering — were closed at 7 pm, while two others remain open, namely SK Guar Perahu and SMK Permatang Pasir.

At the same time, a new centre was opened in Seberang Perai Utara (SPU), namely SK Padang Menora, bringing the total there to four, which are now housing 734 people from 200 families.

On the island, the only operating centre in the Barat Daya district is SK Tan Sri Awang Salleh, accommodating 24 evacuees from nine families.

In KEDAH, the number of victims remained largely unchanged at 1,009 people from 312 families at eight relief centres as of 9 pm, compared to 1,007 people from 311 families earlier.

JPBN Kedah said all victims were from the districts of Kulim and Kuala Muda.

“A total of 957 people from 288 families in Kulim are at seven centres — Sekolah Menengah Agama (SMA) Isaniah Jangkang, SK Pagar Museh, Dewan Orang Ramai Sungai Karangan, Surau Kampung Padang Meha, Surau Taman Sang Kancil, Dewan Kampung Paya Tok Betok and Sekolah Rendah Jenis Cina (SRJC) Khai Min.

“In Kuala Muda, 52 people from 24 families are at SJKC Chong Cheng,” the statement said.

In KELANTAN, several main routes at Jalan Bukit Sireh, Kampung Bedal and Kuala Nal began flooding this evening following heavy rain.

However, Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Station chief Nik Ahmad Afsham Nik Pa said no evacuations had been carried out as of 10 pm.

-- BERNAMA