Malaysian floods: Situation improving, but more rain expected

New Straits Times 31 Dec 11;

KUALA LUMPUR: The flood situation in Sarawak is improving with many of the evacuees returning home but Johor is bracing for more floods.

The number of flood victims at the various relief centres in Sarawak dropped from 562 to 217 yesterday but Sri Aman and Kanowit are still inundated.

In Johor, 241 people in Segamat, are still seeking shelter at six centres, and the authorities issued an advisory for those staying near Sungai Muar to be cautious as the level has risen above the danger level.

In Pahang, all the 15 flood evacuees housed at a relief centre, the Kampung Gadak community hall, were allowed to return home at 8pm yesterday when the situation in the area returned to normal after the high-tide.

The Meteorological Department said the wet weather in Sri Aman, Kanowit and Segamat is expected to continue in the week ahead, with daily afternoon thunderstorms predicted.

According to an advisory by the department, strong northeasterly winds of 50-60kph, with waves of up to 4.5m were also expected to occur over the waters off Sarawak, Labuan, Sabah (West Coast, Interior and Kudat), Reef South and Palawan, until Thursday.

This condition is considered dangerous to all shipping and coastal activities including fishing and ferry services.

In Terengganu, on the erosion at Km3 Jalan Pantai Sura (Teluk Lipat), Dungun last week because of the impact of strong waves, the Public Works Department yesterday said it had closed down the stretch and diverted traffic to alternate routes -- Jalan Lapangan Terbang and Jalan Kuala Dungun.

In Sarawak, the damaged section of the Pan-Borneo Highway has been repaired and is now open to traffic.

Serian police chief Deputy Superintendent Jamali Umi said traffic along Km77 Kuching/Serian road returned to normal since noon yesterday.

"The land is stable and a temporary road, built next to the site, is safe for all traffic," said Jamali.

Flood Situation In Johor Improves, It's Back To Normal In Pahang
Bernama 30 Dec 11;

JOHOR BAHARU, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The number of flood evacuees in Segamat, Johor remained at 241 this morning with six relief centres still open.

According to the National Security Council portal, the six relief centres housing 58 evacuated families are in Kampung Spangloi, Kampung Batu Badak, Kampung Sanglang, Kampung Pogoh, Kampung Tandong and Kampung Kuala Paya.

In PAHANG, all the 15 flood evacuees housed at a relief centre, the Kampung Gadak community hall, were allowed to return home at 8pm yesterday when the situation in the area returned to normal after experiencing the high-tide phenomenon.

A spokesman from the state police headquarters flood operations room said they were the last group to have been evacuated, while at the moment there were no fresh evacuation of flood victims in other areas as well.

-- BERNAMA