ALOR SETAR: The flood situation in Kedah is still at the danger level, with no signs of floodwaters receding, says the state Fire and Rescue Department.
The department’s communications officer Mohamed Haiqal Izwan said although rain had stopped at certain areas, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena and Kubang Pasu are still being monitored as the floodwaters there are still at the “danger level” and not receding.
“Other places with high water levels are Kulim town and Kulim Hi-Tech Park, with the department evacuating 109 people from these areas.
“As of now, there are a total of 29 evacuation centres (PPS) and we are monitoring the flood levels if more people need to be evacuated.
“The water levels at some places are 3m high. Even the Alor Setar town faced flash floods on Wednesday, but the water level has receded.
“Currently, we have 1,000 department personnel, including 171 volunteers, deployed to assist other agencies in handling the flood situation,” he said yesterday.
Mohamed Haiqal also said the department had received a total of 180 calls related to fallen trees in various parts of the state due to strong winds.
Meanwhile, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state will give RM1,000 to the head of every household sheltering at PPS.
He said the Sejahtera Community Aid would be given through the Disaster Operation Coordination Centre in the affected areas.
“Other than this, Bantuan Wang Ihsan of RM1,000 from the Federal Government will also be handed out through the National Disaster Agency (Nadma),” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that 3,835 flood victims had been housed at 29 PPS.
“I advise all who are involved to follow instructions by the authorities and move to the relief centres as they will not get the cash aid if they fail to do so,” he said.
In GEORGE TOWN, the Penang Fire and Rescue Department is on standby for any eventualities, with an eye on 256 flood hotspots on the island and mainland.
Assistant operations director Khairy Sulaiman said 779 personnel from their workforce were deployed. He added that there has not been any directive to freeze personnel’s leave as yet.
“We are not on a crisis mode and our operations are running as normal but we are not taking anything lightly, especially evacuating people during floods.
“The weather has been wreaking havoc and the department personnel have been doing their duties diligently.
“Even if there are massive floods, we are confident of handling the situation as there are 1,354 volunteer personnel who can be called upon if needed,” added Khairy.
On incidences of trees toppling, he said it is not easy to identify hotspots as it depends on the force of the wind.
During the current spate of stormy weather, trees continue to topple in many areas in Penang, with the latest killing a Chinese national and his daughter after a fig tree fell on their car in Church Street, George Town, on Wednesday.
