First wave of floods begin in Kota Bahru, Pasir Puteh

KOTA BHARU: A total of five temporary relief centres (PPS) have been opened as of 8 pm last night in Kelantan involving 120 flood victims after continuous rain in some areas, an early sign of the first wave floods in the state.

According to the ‘InfoBencanaJKM’ application, two of the centres were opened in Kota Bharu while three were in Pasir Puteh.

A total of 23 victims involving five families were placed in the relief centre set up at SK Melor, while 43 victims involving nine families were transferred to the relief centre at SK Tiong in Kota Bharu.

Meanwhile, a total of 54 flood victims from 13 families were placed at three centres in the Pasir Puteh district, namely at Dewan Kompleks Kamil (27 victims), SK Changgai (16 victims) and SK Bukit Jawa (11 victims).

Meanwhile, checks at Kampung Sri Kulim Melor here found that floods had reached up to a metre high making it difficult for vehicles to move around.

When met, Padang Raja Mukim penghulu Fadlishah Ismail said the situation had affected 10 residents from three families in the village.

He said all the victims including one who was in a coma due to an accident a few years ago, were transferred to the relief centre at SK Melor at 3 pm yesterday.

"We have been monitoring and have advised 100 residents living in low-lying areas (to remain vigilant) as there is Sungai Melor and swamps in the area which can cause the water to rise," he said.

A resident of Kampung Sri Kulim Melor, Nik Dzul Afza Md Salleh, 33, said the water-level had begun rising at the residential area in the village since 2 pm.

"The residents are ready to move by tonight as they are worried because the water-level is rising and the rain is still heavy. We have also been warned and advised to save ourselves as soon as possible," he said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Pasir Puteh District Disaster Operations Control Centre when contacted by Bernama said three victims from a family affected by the flood were transferred to the relief centre at Dewan Kompleks Kamil in Pasir Puteh, yesterday afternoon.

Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Imran Ismail said as of 8 pm tonight, the water-level at Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang was at 8.60 metres (m), which exceeded the warning level of 8 m.

"Usually the banks will overflow if the river level exceeds 10 m. In fact, our team in Rantau Panjang is on standby round the clock for any rescue mission or evacuation of flood victims.

"We will also monitor the villages, especially those in low-lying areas from time to time," he said when contacted by Bernama.

-- BERNAMA