FLOODS: OVER 700 DISPLACED IN KEDAH, AUTHORITIES ADVISE VICTIMS TO EVACUATE 

JITRA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Residents affected by floods in several districts in Kedah have been advised to relocate to safer areas, with water levels expected to rise tonight and tomorrow.

Kedah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 1 Chief Senior Fire Officer I Ahmad Aminuddin Abd Rahim said the department have been receiving calls since yesterday from flood victims and the public seeking assistance for evacuation to safe locations.

“This morning, we received information about flood victims in Kampung Paya Tok Kiong, near here, who needed to be rescued after floodwaters rose above 1.2 metres. A total of 12 officers and personnel were dispatched to the scene with two JBPM boats.

“Floodwaters began rising around 5 am and 16 victims from five houses requested evacuation as access roads were cut off by the rapidly rising and strong currents,” he told reporters here today.

Ahmad Aminuddin also advised the public, particularly those driving small vehicles, not to endanger themselves and their families by attempting to drive through floodwaters, as the strong currents could sweep them away.

Juzainirisha Junaidi, 25, one of the evacuees from Kampung Paya Tok Kiong, said she only realised floodwaters had entered her home after receiving a phone call from her father, who lives nearby.

“At that time, my husband, two children aged two and seven, and I were still asleep. Then my father called to inform us that the water was rising. I quickly got up, packed important belongings and waited on higher ground until rescuers arrived. 

“This is the third time floods have hit this year, but this is the worst. Previously, the water did not enter our house. This time, I decided to evacuate because I was worried about my children’s safety, especially since all roads have been completely cut off,” she said.

So far, floods have affected four districts-- Kubang Pasu, Sik, Padang Terap and Pokok Sena--displacing more than 700 people who have been relocated to temporary relief centres.

-- BERNAMA