RESIDENT of Felda Kerteh 4 are still being careful and alert, even though they are now allowed to return home after the floods recede today.

Mohd Razle Ismail, 39, shared that the unexpected floods have caused emotional distress and anxiety among the people living in the area.

He further added that the floods happened suddenly and unexpectedly, giving the residents only two hours to react and prepare for evacuation.

“We have started cleaning up the house but our electrical appliances and furniture are completely ruined.

“The most heartbreaking is seeing my three children’s essential schooling items, which included their uniforms and books all destroyed and soiled with mud,” he said when met at his house today.

Razle said he suffered about RM20,000 in losses when his motorcycle was swept away while appealing to the relevant authorities for immediate assistance – especially for his children’s schooling necessities.

“I’m not too concerned about other items, but assistance for school supplies needs to be prioritised as the school session is set to begin in just four days,” he said.

Another evacuee, Nurul Nasuha Zolkifeli, 29, said that her house, located about 100m from the river, was submerged up to chest level within just two hours last Sunday.

She incurred losses of about RM30,000 after all her furniture, electrical appliances, and part of her kitchen collapsed and was swept away by floodwaters.

“Even though our house is already cleaned, my children and I are still traumatised to spend the night at home. Only my husband stayed overnight yesterday.

“Moreover, if we were to go home, we would be forced to sleep on the wet floor because all the mattresses and carpets were destroyed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Felda Kerteh 4 village development and safety committee member Ismail Ali, said 63 families were impacted by the floods and over 80% of them are grappling with the aftermath.

As such, he appealed for the state government to expedite assistance, especially for schooling necessities, considering that almost all parents in the area have school-going children.

“We also welcome contributions from non-governmental organisations especially in the form of school supplies, blankets, and clothing.

“This is the first flood in 40 years, and we were not prepared,” he said adding that he incurred losses of about RM20,000. – Bernama, December 26, 2023