FLOODING in the three states – Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak – has worsened due to continuous rain, with more people evacuated to relief centres.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a danger weather alert earlier today, with continuous heavy rain expected to occur across Terengganu and some areas in Kelantan until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, severe continuous heavy rain is expected to occur in several areas in Kedah, Kelantan, Perak and Pahang during the same period, while an alert for continuous rain notice has been issued for Perlis, Penang, and several areas in Kedah, Perak and Johor.

In KELANTAN, 3,320 people were at 32 relief centres in seven districts: Kota Baru, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Pasir Puteh, Kuala Krai, Machang and Jeli.

According to the Public InfoBanjir portal, river water in four areas in the state had passed danger levels: Sungai Lebir in Kampung Tualang, Kuala Krai with a reading of 35.4m; Sungai Lanas near Jeli (29.7m); Sungai Golok in Kampung Jenob, Tanah Merah (25.2m); and Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas (9.64m).

In TERENGGANU, 1,866 people were seeking shelter in 38 relief centres opened across six districts: Kuala Terengganu (13), Dungun (19), Setiu (196), Kemaman (459), Hulu Terengganu (461) and Besut (718).

Yesterday, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage warned that these areas should expect flooding.

In PERAK, 47 people were accommodated in two relief centres as of 2pm: SM Abdul Rahman Talib in Batu 4 and SK Sungai Tiang Darat.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said pumps would be built and installed in nine locations in Bagan Datuk immediately.

Meanwhile, in JOHOR, 75 people in Segamamt are in three relief centres: Kampung Batu Badak Community Hall (34 people); Kampung Kuala Paya Community Hall (27) and Kampung Tasek Community Hall (14).

All the evacuees are reportedly from Kampung Seberang Batu Badak, Kampung Batu 5 and Kampung Kuala Paya.

Authorities added that Sungai Muar (Buloh Kasap) in Segamat was at warning level with a height of 8.91m, while the weather was reported to be cloudy in several districts, including Pontian, Segamat and Batu Pahat, while it would rain in Johor Baru and Kota Tinggi this evening. – Bernama, December 18, 2022.