ALOR STAR: Five rivers in Kedah breached their danger levels today (Sept 17) as more than 250 flood victims were in six districts were evacuated after continuous heavy rain.
The Public Infobanjir website said Sungai Kubang Pasu, Sungai Gurun in Kampung Perupok (Yan), and Sungai Sedim (Kulim) have surpassed the danger mark as of 4pm.
Additionally, two rivers in the Kota Star district are also seeing rising water level. Sungai Anak Bukit and Sungai Kedah have all exceeded danger levels.
All affected rivers are showing an upward trend in levels.
The Kedah Disaster Management Committee Secretariat said as of 4pm today, 258 people from 94 families were evacuated to seven flood relief centres today after six districts in the state were affected by floods.
Three centres were activated in Kubang Pasu district namely, SK Malau, SMK Changlun, and Lubuk Batu.
The relief centres are accommodating 126 victims from 48 families residing in the Malau, Changlun, and Pelubang subdistricts.
"The SK Bukit Hijau in Pokok Sena is sheltering 121 victims from 44 families, and in Pendang, the Pusat Rakan Sukan community hall has been activated, census is ongoing.
"In Kulim, two centres were activated—Surau Paya Tok Betoi, housing 11 victims from two families, while the census is still ongoing at the Taman Sang Kancil centre," it said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Kedah Fire and Rescue Department director Awang Hidzel Awang Bujang said nearly 800 of its officers and personnel have had their leave suspended, following ongoing floods and an expected high tide in the coming days.
He said the decision was made as a precautionary measure, with preparations focused on fire stations near major rivers like Sungai Bata and Kota Star.
"We've frozen leave starting today, tomorrow, and the day after. We're advising those living near rivers to prepare and relocate if needed to avoid any untoward incidents," he said during a visit to the temporary evacuation centre at SK Malau, Kubang Pasu.
Awang Hidzel said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued warnings of strong winds and rough seas around Perlis, Kedah, and Penang.
"With school holidays underway, many families are likely planning outings to beaches or rivers. We strongly advise against it for now, as safety must come first," he added.
Meanwhile, MetMalaysia website's latest forecast warns of thunderstorms continuing into next week, with waves expected to reach 1.5 to 3.5m and wind speeds between 30 to 40 kilometres per hour.