RANTAU PANJANG: Mohd Ariffin Ismail’s face turned pale as he recalled how floodwaters, rising more than three metres, submerged his home in Kampung Banggol Tok Makyong here last year.
The 63-year-old father of three said memories of water surging up to the roof of his house remain vivid, particularly the moment his livestock were stranded and his car swept away by strong currents.
“I lost almost everything in last year’s flood,” he said.
“If the rains are worse this year, I don’t know how I will cope,” added the self-employed man.
Ariffin said he and other villagers are bracing for another round of floods, expected to hit Kelantan beginning tomorrow.
Villagers living along Sungai Golok, who have endured multiple floods over the years, said the traumatic memories continue to linger.
The latest warnings issued by the authorities have further heightened anxiety among residents in low-lying areas.
Housewife Suriani Daud, 50, said residents in Kampung Tersang had begun making early preparations by moving their belongings to higher ground.
“We are on standby because we are worried the floods could come at any time,” she said.
The Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) yesterday said there is a high likelihood of flooding in seven districts in Kelantan from Dec 14 to 17.
The National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre issued the warning following a continuous heavy rain advisory from MetMalaysia on Friday (Dec 12).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
