Over 5 000 evacuated as flooding impacts Johor

JOHOR - More than 13,000 people in Johor have been evacuated from their homes amid heavy flooding ahead of Hari Raya celebrations.

The Johor Disaster Management Committee said that as of 8am on March 22, a total of 95 relief centres were in operation across six flood-affected districts.

“There are currently 13,089 individuals from 3,749 families who have been evacuated to relief centres.

“The majority of victims are in Johor Bahru, with 5,402 people, followed by Kluang with 2,458,” it said in a statement.

The other flood-affected districts are Pontian (1,782),Kota Tinggi (1,690),Kulai (1,531) and Batu Pahat (226).

Nine river monitoring stations have recorded water levels at a dangerous level. These comprise Sungai Lenik, Sungai Kahang, Sungai Siam, Sungai Siku, Sungai Pulai, Sungai Skudai, Parit Keliling, Sungai Tiram and Sungai Paya Dato.

Continuous heavy rain since March 19 hit several major roads in Johor Bahru, cau­sing massive traffic congestion.

Two roads in Kota Tinggi – Jalan Lukut Cina and Jalan Mawai Lama – have been closed to all vehicles due to flooding.

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi on March 20 expressed his sadness over the plight of the flood victims, who saw their homes and belongings damaged just days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He said the state government will continue to provide assistance and will ensure that the welfare of the people is not neglected during these challenging times.

For Ms Nordiana Moidoo, 39, the flood that hit her village in Kampung Pasir Tebrau was the worst she had ever experienced.

She said the village was in a flood-prone area, but she had never imagined the water would rise so high that only the roof of her house was visible.

“I managed to save only my car and one motorcycle. Everything else inside the house is gone.