Gloomy Raya as Pontian villagers endure floods

 

Prolonged rain left several houses in Kampung Sri Gambut, Johor, submerged in waist-deep waters. (Bernama pic)

PONTIAN: It was a gloomy Aidilfitri for residents of Kampung Sri Gambut here when they were forced to take shelter at a temporary relief centre due to floods following prolonged rain that started at 3.30 this morning.

A check by Bernama found that several houses in the village were submerged in waist-deep waters and the affected villagers were evacuated to the SK Kampung Melayu Raya flood relief centre.

Housewife Miskiah Kundari, 59, said she became concerned when the rain that started to fall early this morning went on for several hours, causing floodwaters to rise.

She said the villagers were used to facing floods, but the disaster had never occurred during Hari Raya, adding that she hoped the floods would subside soon.

Another victim, Susiah Zainal Abidin, 41, although disheartened by the incident, said she was thankful that the floods did not claim any lives, adding that facilities at the flood relief centre were sufficient, including food supply.

According to the Pontian district disaster management committee, a total of 19 flood victims, involving four families from Kampung Sri Gambut, were evacuated to the relief centre. - FMT