17 bodies found in Selangor so far, says MB

 

Seventeen bodies have been discovered across Selangor as of 8am today in the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding.

"So far 17 deaths have been recorded but verification from the police is needed on each victim's cause of death," said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Speaking during a press conference at the Selangor state secretariat building in Shah Alam, Amirudin also announced that the family of each victim who died will receive an RM10,000 donation.

Meanwhile, he said 30,632 individuals from 4,672 families were evacuated to 203 temporary shelters as of 8am.

However, he said the number of evacuees could increase as there are signs of water rising in areas including Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor and Sepang.

Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari visits flood victims at SMK Telok Panglima Garang flood shelter 

Overall, he said there were 453 federal and state assets deployed for the search and rescue mission.

Areas in Hulu Langat, Klang and Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, were among the worse hit by record rainfall and flooding which started on Friday and lasted over the weekend.

Post-flood recovery initiatives

Amirudin announced a list of post-flood recovery initiatives involving at least 2,817 personnel from 28 agencies, including for mitigation work in high-risk areas.

The process will be overseen by seven state executive council members each assigned their own duties.

"This is to ensure each locality that needs help will receive adequate assistance because this tragedy does not only focus on one locality but almost across the state," he added.

To provide the assistance, Amirudin also announced that RM100 million will be channelled through the 'Selangor Bangkit' initiative, comprising RM10,000 for each victim who died in the flood, and RM1,000 for each affected family.

For cleaning-up work, he said KDEB Waste will be deploying trash compactors, excavators and trucks from local councils not affected by the flood for urgent waste collection.

Overall, data from the National Disaster Management Agency recorded 62,999 victims from 14,203 families in eight states as of 8am but the number is expected to rise with rising water levels reported outside of Selangor. - Mkini