FLOODING in Terengganu are not uncommon as the east coast state enters the northeast monsoon season every year-end. The current floods caught residents unprepared as they had expected the monsoon to be over after the Chinese New Year celebrations, as it typically does.  

The state’s Disaster Management Committee said that it has recorded an increase in the number of flood victims as at 10am – 12,183 people from 3,466 families are currently housed in 172 flood relief shelters in eight districts.

Kemaman (3,202) and Hulu Terengganu (3,017) recorded the highest number of displaced residents. This is followed by Besut (2,213), Setiu (1,298), Dungun (1,440), Kuala Terengganu (591), Kuala Nerus (417) and Marang (5).

In Hulu Terengganu, the district that has seen the worst flooding, rescue teams are facing challenges rescuing stranded residents, due to the downpour that has not ceased for four consecutive days.

Hulu Terengganu Malaysia Civil Defence (APM) officer, Mohd Zabri Abd Razak, said there were several minor incidents such as a boat capsizing and logistics vehicles being stranded during rescue operations due to very strong currents.

“Those incidents are true, such as the boat capsizing while rescuing the residents of Kg Gemuruh but no casualties were reported and all 250 residents have been rescued and placed in shelters.

“Our team members also have exercise caution because we do not want to end up losing lives,” he said.

Zakri said a total of 60 APM members were mobilised in the operation to rescue flood victims in the district.

He also likened the flood situation in the district to the one in Selangor which occurred at the end of last year, as there were some areas that were not previously flood-prone areas but were now almost fully submerged.

He said the disaster this time could not be compared to the floods in 2014 because houses were not inundated at the time.

“But this time the floods submerged the houses. It’s like in Selangor because of the very heavy rain and the overflow from the river worsened the situation.

“Even though we know Terengganu is among the best in flood disaster management, this time the flooding was unexpected and the flow of the water was too fast, so much even big vehicles could be swept away,” he said.

Zakri also expects the number of flood victims in the district to increase.

Yesterday, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a continuous rain warning throughout Kelantan and Terengganu due to heavy precipitation brought on by cold winds and also the low-pressure system over the South China Sea since Thursday.

Rain will continue to hit the east coast state and is expected to end tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the water level in the state’s nine main rivers recorded above the danger level, according to data on the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) website.

The Malaysian Insight yesterday reported of videos and photos going viral on social media showing residents trapped on the roofs of houses when their areas of residence become unreachable due to high water levels.

State exco for Welfare, Women Development, Family and National Unity, Hanafiah Mat, denied that the Terengganu government was slow in delivering aid.

He gave his assurance that all agencies responsible in providing aid, such as APM and the Social Welfare Department, have been mobilised to help flood victims relocate to relief centres.

He added that the issue of delays in sending aid is because the flooding was not expected but emphasised that the state government had done its best to save all the stranded victims.

“I have been on the ground since Thursday and have ordered all government agencies to do their best. There is no issue of delay in providing aid but there is a possibility of that happening in certain areas.

“But I have done my best and instructed the agency to move quickly. I think if people want to think otherwise then I can’t do anything because this is a disaster, there are many unexpected things,” he said.

Hanafiah added that there will be no shortage of food in the relief shelters.

“In terms of food supply, there is no problem, because everything sent by Social Welfare Department to the relief centres is sufficient. I hope the people of Terengganu do not panic if they cannot contact get through helpline, as there are various channels that can be used to get help,” he said.

“What is certain is that we from the government agencies will definitely save the people,” he said. – February 28, 2022.