Malaysia: Terengganu, Kelantan states on high alert as flood situation worsens

33 schools have been shut down Terengganu and 500 people have been evacuated in Kelantan

Heavy rainfall and flood in China kills at least 87, thousands evacuated
Picture for representation Reuters

Malaysian state of Terengganu is on high alert as the region has been completely flooded by five rivers after they swelled up following incessant rain in several districts. The state of Kelantan is also keeping a strict vigil on three rivers where the water level has already risen to alert levels.

It is reported that while at least 250 people are reeling under the flood conditions in Terengganu, more than 500 residents have been evacuated from Kelantan and moved to relief centres.

"In Jeli, 15 families (comprising 58 people) were moved to the relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Balah, 53 families (208 people) to the Jeli Kesedar Hall and 15 families (50 people) to Sekolah Kebangsaan Jeli 1," said Kelantan Civil Defence Force director Zainuddin Husin, according to Malay Mail.

"In Kuala Krai, 25 families (125 people) were moved to Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Bedal, eight families (40 people) to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Keroh and four families (20 people) to the Kampung Bedal Youth Hall," he added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col (PA) Che Adam A Rahman of the State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat in Terengganu said that two new relief centres have been opened in Surau Kampung Hulu Lerek and Surau Kampung Chenerong Leban to accommodate the flood victims, whose number is continuously increasing.

Moreover, Education Department director Shafruddin Ali Hussin said that thirty-three schools in Terengganu will not reopen on 1 January 2017 as they are either flooded or have been rendered non-accessible by the flood. He also added that the normal schedule will only be resumed once the flood water recedes.

READ MORE