213 FLOOD HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED IN PASIR MAS

KOTA BHARU, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- A total of 618 flood hotspots have been identified in Kelantan, with Pasir Mas recording the highest number at 213, including areas along the Golok River such as Rantau Panjang and Meranti.

State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said nearly 1,000 personnel, including volunteer firefighters, community fire brigades, and teams from Terengganu (Wakaf Tapai), Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, have been deployed to the areas.

He advised residents in high-risk areas to evacuate early without waiting for official orders and to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads to prevent accidents.

“The flood situation in Kelantan has shifted to the central districts due to upstream water flow and persistent rainfall, with the Golok River in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas expected to rise, raising the risk of overflow.

“Floods that previously affected the coastal districts are now starting to impact Tanah Merah, Machang, Kuala Krai and Rantau Panjang,” he told Bernama at the Tunjong JBPM flood operations centre here.

Farhan Sufyan said the levels of Golok and Galas Rivers in Limau Kasturi were at danger points, increasing the risk of overflow in nearby areas.

“As of yesterday, we have conducted 68 evacuation operations and 91 daily monitoring activities. Flooding is now concentrated in the central districts due to upstream flow and persistent rainfall, particularly in Tanah Merah, which recorded the highest rainfall,” he said, adding that if heavy rain continues, the likelihood of flooding along the Golok River remains high.

-- BERNAMA