Number of flood evacuees in Kelantan jumps to 5,016

The number of flood victims in Kelantan has increased to 5,016 as of 9pm tonight, from 3,033 people at 1pm.

A total of 67 flood evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate the flood victims in eight districts affected by the flood, namely Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Pasir Puteh, Kuala Krai, Machang, Bachok and Jeli.

According to the Social Welfare Department’s Infobanjir application, Pasir Mas recorded the highest number of victims, with 1,716 people from 604 families moved to 22 flood evacuation centres, followed by Kota Bharu with 1,071 people from 260 families moved to nine centres.

In Pasir Puteh, as many as 589 victims from 185 families were placed in six evacuation centres, while in Machang 540 victims from 166 families were moved to five centres.

Meanwhile, in Tanah Merah, as many as 473 victims from 122 families were moved to 14 centres, and 345 victims from 85 families were placed in three centres in Jeli.

A total of 156 victims from 31 families were moved to two centres in Bachok, while 127 victims from 29 families are in six centres in Kuala Krai.

According to the Irrigation and Drainage Department’s Infobanjir site, the water level in Sunagi Golok in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, rose to 10.44m by 9pm, compared to 10.33m at 3pm – surpassing the 9m dager level.

Several areas in Kelantan were reportedly still being hit with heavy rains tonight.

The Malaysian Armed Forces have stated that they are ready to deploy 2,500 personnel to help out flood operations in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Deputy Defence Minister Mohd Johari Baharum said of that total, 17 officers and 500 MAF personnel were already in the field to assist other security forces to carry out evacuation involving flood victims to several temporary relief centres in the two states.

“Besides that, the MAF has also provided 16 combat boats, 30 three-tonne lorries and various other rescue equipment for the flood operations,” he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan-state level Pingat Jasa Malaysia award presentation ceremony in Kota Bahru today.

Mohd Johari said officers and personnel who were assigned during the floods comprised several teams, including rescue, evacuation and medical teams.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad also announced that it is ready to mobilise its Emergency Response Team that will be on 24-hour duty if the floods worsen.

TNB distribution division senior general manager (distribution network) Wan Nazmy Wan Mahmood said the operation rooms of flood-affected states would be reopened to monitor the flood condition and disseminate latest information on the floods.

“If there are substations that are inundated by floodwaters, the electricity would have to be temporarily cut off and be restored once safety is assured.

"The team will also do reconnection work for electricity that was cut-off due to other reasons, such as fallen trees,” he said in a statement today.

Wan Nazmy advised the public to practice caution when using electrical equipment at premises that are inundated by floodwaters and when touching equipment or electrical switches with wet hands.

“After the floods recede, affected users are also advised to seek the service of wiring contractors registered under the Energy Commission to inspect their premises,” he added.

- Bernama

- Mkini