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Heavy downpours trigger flash floods across Perak, Kedah

IPOH: A two-hour heavy downpour, which began at 4am this morning, has caused flash flooding in several areas in Gerik, Lenggong and Batu Gajah.

A Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia (JPBM) spokesperson said in Gerik, water rose as high as 1.2 metres in five areas, namely Kampung Air Sudah, Kampung Ramasamy, Pasar Awam Gerik, Jalan Takong Datok and Kampung Padang.

According to the spokesperson, JPMB had to use a boat to evacuate a victim trapped at a market.

In Lenggong, a house in Kampung Beng was flooded by 0.5 metres of flood water. JPBM kept watch on the area until water subsided at 7 am.

"Meanwhile, in Batu Gajah, traffic congestion was reported after water overflowed onto the main road at Tanjung Tualang, but the situation is still under control, based on JPBM monitoring.

"There is no need to open evacuation centres at the affected locations for the time being," said the spokesperson.

In Kedah, more than a dozen villages in low-lying areas in Kupang, Kuala Ketil and Baling were hit by flash floods following three hours of rainfall early today.

The rain, which began at 2am, caused Sungai Ketil to overflow, leaving 50 homes in Kampung Banggol Chicar, Kupang, Tanah Periok, Raja, Bendang Sera, Kuala Samak, Tembak A, Gua Reban and Tanjung Merbau inundated by one metre-deep water.

Also affected are Kampung Sadek, Bukit Tinggi, Jerai and Tanjung.

Baling Welfare Services Department officer Shamsul Izrin Ishak said the department and the Baling Member of Parliament's service centre had provided immediate relief to victims.

He said they are monitoring the situation and urge affected families to get ready for evacuation should the situation worsen.

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