Over 13,000 evacuated in Johor as floods mar Hari Raya plans

JOHOR - More than 13,000 people in Johor have been evacuated from their homes amid heavy flooding ahead of Hari Raya celebrations.

The Johor Disaster Management Committee said that as of 8am on March 22, a total of 95 relief centres were in operation across six flood-affected districts.

“There are currently 13,089 individuals from 3,749 families who have been evacuated to relief centres.

“The majority of victims are in Johor Bahru, with 5,402 people, followed by Kluang with 2,458,” it said in a statement.

The other flood-affected districts are Pontian (1,782), Kota Tinggi (1,690), Kulai (1,531) and Batu Pahat (226).

Nine river monitoring stations have recorded water levels at a dangerous level. These comprise Sungai Lenik, Sungai Kahang, Sungai Siam, Sungai Siku, Sungai Pulai, Sungai Skudai, Parit Keliling, Sungai Tiram and Sungai Paya Dato.

Continuous heavy rain

since March 19 hit several major roads in Johor Bahru, cau­sing massive traffic congestion.

Two roads in Kota Tinggi – Jalan Lukut Cina and Jalan Mawai Lama – have been closed to all vehicles due to flooding.

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi on March 20 expressed his sadness over the plight of the flood victims, who saw their homes and belongings damaged just days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He said the state government will continue to provide assistance and will ensure that the welfare of the people is not neglected during these challenging times.

For Ms Nordiana Moidoo, 39, the flood that hit her village in Kampung Pasir Tebrau was the worst she had ever experienced.

She said the village was in a flood-prone area, but she had never imagined the water would rise so high that only the roof of her house was visible.

“I managed to save only my car and one motorcycle. Everything else inside the house is gone.

“Usually, the water level would reach only knee level, so I never imagined it would cover my entire house,” she said.

Many victims expressed concern that their Hari Raya celebrations would be a sombre occasion as their preparations had gone down the drain.

Ms Nordiana, who is an accountant, said all her Hari Raya preparations, including her festive clothing and delicacies, were destroyed, with losses estimated at more than RM10,000 (S$3,010).

Factory worker Jefri Kamarul­zaman, 43, said he managed to save only his family’s important docu­ments.

“I was at work when my wife called at 3.30pm on Wednesday (March 19), saying that water from a nearby river had started to overflow and flooded the roads.

“By 5pm, the water had already reached waist level, and we were evacuated to the Kampung Pasir Tebrau community hall,” he said.

Mr Jefri’s main concern now is his wife’s tailoring business, as the festive garments she had been hired to sew for customers were damaged in the deluge.

“I just hope our clients understand our situation,” he said, adding that their three children’s school supplies were also destroyed.

SK Kangkar Tebrau teacher Siti Aishah Baharudin, 43, said this is the first time she has seen her school cut off due to flooding.

“Usually, the flood waters would reach only knee level, but now it has risen up to the first floor,” she said. “I hope the affected parents and children stay strong in facing this challenge.”

Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the floods disrupted learning in 20 schools across Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pontian, Kluang and Kota Tinggi.

Of the 20 affected schools, seven were converted into temporary relief centres. Two schools were inundated, while 11 were inaccessible. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK