Flash floods force 176 to evacuate in Johor

Heavy rain and an exceptionally high tide caused flash floods in Kampung Plentong Baru here early today, forcing 176 people out of their homes, police said.

Johor Baharu Selatan Police chief ACP Sulaiman Salleh said the villagers, from 31 families, were evacuated at about 3.30 am to a relief centre set up at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permas 1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, here.

"The evacuees comprised 53 men, 57 women, 62 children, a disabled man and three infants," he said when contacted.

Sulaiman said the floodwaters were reportedly receding.

A spokesman of the Johor National Security Council said heavy rain fell between 1 am and 2 am and there was an exceptionally high tide.

"Up to 113 mm of rain fell in one hour. At that time, the tide came in at a height of 3.6 metres," he said.