TAMPIN – “This flood is the seventh incident since I came to live in Taman Sg Gemas 16 years ago and the worst ever,” said housewife Norizan Abdullah, 53, whose house was submerged under neck-deep floodwaters following heavy rain over the past two days.
Norizan said most of the residents had made early preparations by moving their belongings to higher ground or keeping important documents in a safe place during prolonged heavy rains that would cause Sg Gemas to overflow.
“Flash floods are frequent occurrences in this area because of the nearby river, sewage plant and retention pond. There were massive floods in 2011 and this year it happened again, worse than before where many houses are badly damaged and flooded with shoulder-high floodwaters,” she told Bernama when met at Dewan Besar Gemas flood relief centre here today.
Meanwhile, Noorhanim Alia Mahasan, 37, who had just moved to the residential area last year, said the disaster was a test, adding that she had prepared herself to save important items from being destroyed.
Meanwhile, Tampin MP Datuk Hasan Bahrom said the number of flood victims in the district was reported to be increasing, adding that the situation is worrying because of prolonged rain since yesterday.
He said Felda Jelai 4, Kg Pasir Besar, Felda Sg Kelamah, Taman Pinggiran Felda and Taman Sg Gemas were badly affected, among others.
“The Bantuan Wang Ihsan aid of RM1,000 will be given to flood victims and the total amount of assistance will be identified as soon as the evacuation process of flood victims to relief centres is completed. Currently, we are distributing necessities and food aid to them,” he said. – Bernama, January 2, 2022
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