Flash flood forces evacuation of over 600 in Balik Pulau

A flash flood caused by heavy rain and an exceptionally high tide forced the evacuation of over 600 people from six villages here today.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya said the affected families were placed at community halls and mosques.

Dr Hilmi, who is also the Balik Pulau Member of Parliament, said the affected villages had good drainage systems but the rain was too heavy and the tide exceptionally high.

"The area would not have been flooded during normal rain because we have enlarged the drains and improved the drainage system but the rain this time coincided with the high-tide phenomenon," he told reporters.

The affected villages were Kampung Betong, Kampung Pinang Nirai, Kampung Genting, Kampung Terang, Jalan Bharu and Kampung Permatang Tengah while in Teluk Kumbar only Kampung Masjid was affected.