KUALA LUMPUR: The number of flood evacuees nationwide has climbed sharply to 16,201 people from 5,504 families, with Kelantan, Perak and Perlis recording rising trends as continuous heavy rain persists across multiple northern and east coast states.
According to the National Disaster Control Centre (NDCC), a total of 90 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) are operating across 19 districts in seven states as at 8pm today (Nov 24).
Kelantan remains the epicentre of the northeast monsoon floods and has recorded the highest number of evacuees with 9,830 victims from 3,593 families across 40 PPS, with major increases in Tumpat (5,026 victims) and Kota Baru (2,817 victims).
Several low-lying locations in Bachok and Pasir Puteh also remain inundated, though Bachok shows a slight decline in evacuee numbers, according to the district trend chart on page 2.
Perak has opened 19 PPS, sheltering 1,876 evacuees, particularly in Manjung, Perak Tengah and Hilir Perak, where numbers continue to rise.
Perlis, despite its size, has seen a sharp increase to 1,718 victims, while Selangor recorded 1,168 evacuees, with flood situations worsening in Kuala Selangor, Petaling, Klang and Hulu Langat.
Kedah recorded 1,088 evacuees, mostly in Kubang Pasu and Kulim, while Penang and Terengganu show decreasing trends with 385 and 136 evacuees respectively.
Data from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) shows water levels rising at key stations including:
• Sungai Golok, Pasir Mas – 7.69m (rising)
• Sungai Perlis, Padang Besar – 105.83m (rising)
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued multiple alerts, including:
• Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in Pahang, Melaka, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah until late tonight.
• Continuous rain warnings for Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.
• Severe warnings for extremely heavy rain in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu until Nov 26.
According to the Public Works Department (PWD), at least 32 routes across Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah and Penang have been affected by floods, landslides and road failures.
These include:
• Jalan Kubang Kerian–Sabak (Kelantan) – Flooded, under repair
• Jalan Ara Kuda (Penang) – Flash flood, fully closed
• Jalan Kaki Bukit–Wang Kelian (Perlis) – Landslide, fully closed
• Jalan Gua Musang–Jelawang (Kelantan) – Landslide, fully closed
Several federal routes in Kota Baru have reopened after temporary closures.
Dams remain in safe zones but several nearing full capacity.
A review of dam status shows most remain within normal levels, but a number in Johor, Kedah, Perak and Perlis are at or near 100 per cent capacity, including:
• Congok (Johor) – 100 per cent
• Bekok (Johor) – 100 per cent
• Timah Tasoh (Perlis) – 100 per cent
• Air Kuning & Sultan Azlan Shah (Perak) – 100 per cent
Authorities are monitoring these dams closely as persistent rainfall could increase downstream overflow risks.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
