Mud flood: Victims discouraged to return home due to weather uncertainties

Flood victims in Bertam Valley, Cameron Highlands are not allowed to return home following uncertain weather in the highlands and the high water level at the Sultan Abu Bakar Dam.

Cameron Highlands police chief DSP Wan Zahari Wan Busu said heavy rain which started at 1pm on Friday had caused the water level at the dam to increase and the new village downstream getting flooded for the second time.

"Even though the rain has stopped and water has subsided, residents are not allowed to return to their homes for fear of more heavy rain over the area," he told Bernama.

He said the flood water level this time was even higher compared to Wednesday, when the first round of flooding happened.

Wan Zahari said the disaster operations control centre in Bertam Valley would remain open to monitor the weather and water release at the dam may be carried out again if heavy rain persisted.

In the 6.30pm incident on Wednesday, villagers living on the banks of Sungai Bertam near here were ordered to evacuate when water at Sultan Abu Bakar Dam was released in stages following heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Ringlet town was also struck by flash floods when water from a nearby river overflowed its banks after hour-long rain.

Five people were killed in the incident while five others were injured.

PHOTO GALLERY: BERTAM VALLEY MUD FLOOD

RELATED STORY: MUD FLOOD: TNB FORCED TO RELEASE WATER IN STAGES

A total of 203 villagers from 47 families in the new village and Bertam Valley were evacuated to Ringlet Town Hall.