Rescuers evacuate 600 residents in Batu Pahat as floods hit

BATU PAHAT – A total of 600 residents in several areas in Sri Gading near here were evacuated to a temporary evacuation centre at SMK Sri Gading after their homes were affected by flash floods early this morning.

Batu Pahat district police chief Ismail Dollah said all the victims, consisting of 190 families, were evacuated following the rising water after continuous heavy rain from 1.30am until 5.30am and the high tide at around 3am.

He said the four areas affected by flash floods were Taman Sri Panchor, Kg Sengkuang, Kg Baru Sri Gading, and Pekan Seri Gading.

“Initially, a centre was opened at SK Seri Gading but that school was also flooded and the victims were later transferred to SMK Seri Gading.

“Efforts to evacuate victims are ongoing. The main roads connecting Batu Pahat with other districts are still passable by all vehicles,” he said in a statement today.

Apart from police, the rescue operation also involved the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Social Welfare Department, and the district health centre. – Bernama, September 14, 2022