Malaysia Floods: Number of evacuees increases to over 1,000 in Terengganu

SHARANPAL SINGH RANDHAWA The Star 29 Dec 15;

KUALA TERENGGANU: Fifteen relief centres have been opened to house the increasing number of flood evacuees in Terengganu.

The number of flood victims had increased from 255 on Monday to 1,451 from 406 families Tuesday.

The centres are located in Kemaman (991 evacuees), six in Hulu Terengganu (279), four in Dungun (184) and one in Marang (eight).

The flood situation, however, has improved in Hulu Terengganu.

The Seri Puteh hall in Tok Lawit as well as four other relief centres have closed.

More rainfall expected in east coast states until today
The Star 29 Dec 15;

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Meteo­rological Department has predicted rains to continue in the east coast states until today.

It issued an orange alert yesterday, indicating continuous rain averaging 0.4mm to 4mm per hour, lasting over a day and above.

Above orange is red, the highest alert given out by the department indicating heavy continuous downpour, with at least 100mm of rain per day lasting for a day or more.

Its director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail said a mild monsoon surge was also expected between tomorrow and Saturday, bringing with it sporadic rain.

Pahang braces for floods following non-stop rain
T.N.ALAGESH New Straits Times 28 Dec 15;

KUANTAN: All district-level natural disaster relief committees have been put on alert for floods following non-stop rain over the past 24 hours.

State Civil Defence Department (JPAM) director Zainal Yusoff said rescue agencies, including the police and fire department have been placed on standby especially after floods hit certain parts of neighbouring districts, Kemaman and Hulu Terengganu on Sunday.

He said JPAM was working closely with the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) to monitor the river water levels. As of 4pm today, the water level at several main rivers have yet to surpass dangerous levels.

"It has been raining since Sunday afternoon and JPAM is closely monitoring the situation especially at low-lying areas.

We hope there will be no floods," he said. State Natural Disaster Relief Committee chairman Datuk Seri Muhammad Safian Ismail said food items have been delivered to all 105 forward bases and 657 relief centres are prepared to cater to 140,000 flood victims.

"Around 10,000 civil servants, comprising police, firemen, civil defence and paramedics involved in evacuation and rescue operations, are prepared to assist in the event of floods," he said, adding those living in low-lying areas need to adhere to instructions to evacuate if required.