KUALA LUMPUR – Flood evacuees who left relief centres and returned home after the floods subsided are still at risk of facing a second wave of flooding, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
Its director-general, Jailan Simon, said there is still a chance of floods happening again, even though the weather has improved since Monday.
“There is a possibility of heavy rain in Kelantan and Terengganu on January 8 and 9,” he said during a live broadcast last night.
Malaysian Civil Defence Force deputy chief commissioner (operations) Norhafifi Ismail advised the public to limit travelling during the monsoon season.
“During the monsoon season there is the possibility of floods, landslides and roads being cut off, which can cause road users to be stranded. The situation will get worse if they do not bring enough food and water during their journey.”
He said limiting travel is in line with the Health Ministry’s advice for the public not to leave their homes unnecessarily to curb the spread of Covid-19.
As of last night, the flood situation in Perak, Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor has improved, as the number of victims evacuated to relief centres has dropped.
However, the number of evacuees in Pahang has risen to 18,217 people compared with 17,747 yesterday evening. – Bernama, January 6, 2021