Flooding in Malaysia worsens

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The flood situation in three Malaysian states -- Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak -- has worsened due to continuous rain, with more victims evacuated to relief centres. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a danger-level weather alert earlier Sunday, with continuous heavy rain expected to occur across Terengganu and some areas in Kelantan until Tuesday. Meanwhile, severe-level continuous heavy rain is expected to occur in several areas in the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perak and Pahang during the same period, while an alert-level continuous rain notice has been issued for Perlis, Penang, as well as several areas in Kedah, Perak and Johor. In KELANTAN, the number of flood victims increased to 3,320 people from 975 families Sunday evening compared to 1,584 people from 490 families in the morning, involving 32 relief centres in seven districts. River water in four areas in the state had passed the danger level. In TERENGGANU, the number of flood-affected residents placed at relief centres increased sharply to 1,866 people from 512 families compared to 47 people from 13 families Sunday morning. According to a statement from the State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, 38 relief centres have been opened in six districts so far. In PERAK, a total of 47 victims from 15 families were accommodated in two relief centres as of 2 pm. Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said pumps would be built and installed in nine locations in the Bagan Datuk district immediately as suggested by the District Disaster Committee to resolve the flood problem. -- BERNAMA