Johor flood situation improves, number of victims drops to 236

 

The flood situation in Johor has continued to improve, with the number of affected families dropping to 72, involving 236 victims, as of 10am today. Pic by STR/MUHAMMAD NAJMI NOR’AZAM

JOHOR BARU: The flood situation in Johor has continued to improve, with the number of affected families dropping to 72, involving 236 victims, as of 10am today.

This marks a reduction from the earlier figure of 270 victims across 80 families. Most of the flood victims are from Kampung Baharu and Kampung Parit Betong in Batu Pahat, where rising river levels prompted evacuations earlier this week.

Despite signs of improvement, river levels at Sungai Sembrong and Sungai Senggarang in Batu Pahat remain at a warning level, measuring 2.73 metres and 2.83 metres respectively.

According to Johor Disaster Management Committee chairman, Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani, only one temporary relief centre is still operational at Sekolah Menengah Seri Gading in Batu Pahat.

Evacuation centres have been gradually closed since March 24 as evacuees were permitted to return to their homes.

Azmi said that, although the floods were described as the worst in 30 years, there were no flood-related fatalities reported.

The flooding was triggered by continuous heavy rainfall starting March 19, with recorded rainfall exceeding 150mm in just two days. A tidal surge reaching 3 metres in parts of Johor Baru worsened the situation, causing unexpected flooding in several areas.

Six districts in Johor were severely affected, including Johor Baru, Kulai, Kluang, Pontian, Kota Tinggi, and Batu Pahat.

Johor Baru, the hardest-hit district, saw flooding in 27 locations, including villages, residential neighbourhoods, and People's Housing Project (PPR) areas such as Pandan, Kangkar Tebrau, Taman Desa Mutiara, Taman Tampoi Utama, Kampung Pasir, Kampung Seri Serdang, Kampung Melayu Pandan, and Kampung Belantik.

Azmi reassured the public that the Johor Meteorological Department is closely monitoring weather patterns, while relevant agencies remain on standby to assist affected residents.

For updates and emergency assistance, the public is encouraged to contact the State Disaster Operations Control Centre at 07-2322484/5 or via WhatsApp at 019-2127215. - NST