SOME 3,582 people seeking refuge from floods have been placed in 46 temporary evacuation centres as of 5pm today, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

He said that the state government’s first priority was to ensure the safety of residents affected by the floods.

“All centres will be equipped with basic necessities such as clothes, food, hand sanitiser, face masks and cubicles for privacy. 

“As we are also still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic, all evacuees will be screened regularly for free to prevent any outbreaks at the centres. Special areas will be provided for people who test positive,” he said in a statement this evening. 

According to the Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department, rainfall levels are currently at 380mm.  

Amirudin said this is more than twice the highest rainfall recorded previously, which was about 180mm. Normally, the water level will reach about 60mm.  

In addition, he said the water in some affected areas was 4.5m deep.

Amirudin said state government assets as well as the fire and rescue department, police and army will be deployed, especially flood vehicles for the purpose of evacuating victims and distribution of basic necessities.

He also said Air Selangor would provide a mobile water tank for each evacuation centre. 

“We will also mobilise Team Selangor and volunteers to assist in the process of locating residents in the centres, distribute initial aid and the cleaning process that will begin after the water recedes.”

He added that 134 water gates had to be closed due to the high water levels, which made it unsafe to open to prevent water from overflowing into residential areas near the water locks.

In addition, Shari said 93 pumps are working to speed up the flow of water to the river drainage system.

Amirudin said that Malaysian Meteorological Department expects very heavy rains to continue in the districts of Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Petaling, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat, as well as in Perak, Kelantan, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

“Therefore, I advise residents in the affected areas to follow the advice of the security forces and be prepared, if instructed, to evacuate to flood relief centres. 

“This is to protect the safety of you and your family for this critical time.

“Avoid leaving the house, unless it is urgent. Stay away from flooded places because there is a danger of electric shock or lightning strikes.”

He said the state government will do everything in its capacity to ensure that aid reaches people at this critical time.  

Amirudin said the latest information on the situation and updates will be on his official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

People in need of assistance can contact the Selangor State Disaster Management Unit on 03-5035-0920, or the numbers listed below.

Klang Municipal Council (03-3374-8845)

Shah Alam City Council (03-5522-2787)

Kuala Langat Municipal Council (03-3182-2566)

Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (03-3323-9478)

Klang Health Office (03-3323-9554)

Klang Selatan police (03-3372-2222)

Klang Utara police (03-3291-3344)

Department of Social Welfare (03-3341-3703)

Public Works Department (03-3371-4040)

Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department (03-3371-2464)

Civil Defence Force (03-3371-0820). – December 18, 2021.