ALOR SETAR: The flood situation in Kedah has worsened, with 2,058 people evacuated to 19 temporary relief centres (PPS) across six districts in the state on Sunday (Oct 13).
Kedah Civil Defence Force deputy director Major Mohd Suhaimi Mohd Zain said the affected districts include Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pendang, Sik, Baling, and Pokok Sena.
He noted that 679 families were relocated after floods inundated their homes over the past few days.
Mohd Suhaimi mentioned that PPS were activated at SMK Indera Putra and SK Padang Pekan in Kubang Pasu, Dewan Kompleks Rakan Sukan, and SMK Pendang in Pendang, as well as two in Sik – Balai Islam Tanjung Belit and Surau Kampung Belimbing.
Three PPS were established in Baling, located at SK Siong, SK Seri Bayu, and SK Tanjung Pari.
Only one PPS was activated in Pokok Sena at SK Tulang, while nine PPS were set up in Kota Setar.
These included SMK Alor Merah, SK Titi Gajah, SK Taman Aman, SK Haji Idris, SMK Kepala Batas, SK Seri Gunong, SMK Tun Abdul Malik, SK Gunung, and SMK Dato’ Syed Omar.
Mohd Suhaimi advised residents in high-risk areas to be prepared for potential flooding and to remain alert in case of sudden rises in water levels.
As of 9am, areas such as Taman Aman, Jambatan Mada, and Pendang reported dangerous water level readings.
Meanwhile, in Kampung Haji Abbas in Baling, three villagers, including a senior citizen, were rescued by the Fire and Rescue Department after they became trapped in a flood around 3am on Sunday.
“Nine rescuers were dispatched to the location to conduct a rescue operation following a distress call from the public,” said a Kedah Fire and Rescue Department spokesman.
The victims were found clinging to trees to avoid being swept away by the strong flood currents.
Rescuers used ropes to bring the victims to safety, and they were sent to the nearest PPS.
The operation concluded at about 8am.
