KUALA LUMPUR – Continuous heavy rainfall has worsened flooding in several states, displacing tens of thousands of people to temporary relief centres (PPS). Kelantan remains the most severely impacted, with 59,232 evacuees now seeking shelter in 221 shelters, up from 50,947 the night before.
According to the Social Welfare Department’s Disaster Info Portal, Pasir Mas is the hardest-hit district, housing 22,156 evacuees in 53 PPS. Other heavily affected districts include Tumpat (8,434 evacuees, 17 PPS), Kota Bharu (5,944, 31 PPS), Kuala Krai (5,253, 39 PPS), and Tanah Merah (4,366, 26 PPS).
Smaller numbers of victims are reported in Machang, Pasir Puteh, Jeli, and Gua Musang.
The Irrigation and Drainage Department confirmed that major rivers in Kelantan, including Sg Kelantan in Tambatan Diraja and Sg Golok in Rantau Panjang, have exceeded danger levels, with readings significantly above safety thresholds.
The severe flooding in Kelantan has also disrupted banking services. Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd and Agrobank have temporarily closed multiple branches, including those in Pasir Puteh, Pasir Mas, Kuala Krai, and Tumpat. Customers are encouraged to utilise online banking services or alternative branches.
In Terengganu, the number of flood victims rose to 20,911 people from 5,916 families this morning, up from 17,762 evacuees last night. The Terengganu State Disaster Management Committee reported that Besut recorded the highest number of victims at 9,338 across 96 PPS, followed by Hulu Terengganu (4,333), Setiu (4,255), Kemaman (1,534), Dungun (709), Marang (668), and Kuala Nerus (74).
Water levels at nine monitoring stations have reached danger levels, with six stations located in Setiu, including Sg Nerus at Kampung Langkap and Sg Setiu at Jambatan Permaisuri and Kg Bukit. Other danger-level rivers include Sg Kemaman at Rumah Pam Paya Paman, Sg Dungun at Kuala Dungun and the Jerangau Bridge.
In Kedah, the number of evacuees climbed to 4,378 people from 1,432 families as of this morning, compared to 2,210 evacuees last night. The Kubang Pasu district is the worst affected, with 1,708 people in 13 PPS. Other impacted districts include Padang Terap, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, and Sik.
Perlis has also seen a rise in flood victims, with 488 people from 145 families now housed in four shelters, including SK Guar Nangka and SK Arau in Arau, as well as SK Titi Tinggi in Padang Besar and Dewan Warisan in Kangar.
In Perak, three PPS are now operational, housing 69 victims from 22 families in Kerian and Batang Padang districts. Sg Rui in Gerik is currently at a warning level, with its water reading exceeding normal thresholds.
In Negri Sembilan, 291 victims from 100 families have been relocated to eight shelters in Tampin and Kuala Pilah, with numbers still being updated.
Meanwhile, Selangor is also facing rising floodwaters, with 117 individuals from 29 families displaced in Klang. Two shelters are operational: MPKK Bukit Kapar Hall, sheltering 21 evacuees, and SK Sg Binjai, housing 96 victims.
Fire and rescue teams from Kapar, Bukit Jelutong, Dengkil, and Subang Jaya have been deployed to oversee relief efforts in the Kapar and Meru areas.
Authorities across the affected states remain on high alert, working to manage the ongoing crisis and provide aid to affected communities. – November 29, 2024