ALOR STAR: The number of flood victims in Kedah increased further to 2,039 as of 11pm last night (Sept 17).
State Social Welfare Department director Datuk Zulkhairi Zainol Abidin said the victims were from 341 families evacuated to 11 temporary evacuation centres in six districts.
The number was an increase from three hours earlier when the figure was at 1,018 victims.
Zulkhairi said the number could likely increase due to the rain continuing yesterday. He said the department was on standby to open evacuation centres for large number of victims, and that it would provide sufficient food supply to these centres.
Meanwhile, members from the Pokok Sena and Kuala Nerang Fire and Rescue stations were conducting rescue operations in Kampung Derang which was inundated since the evening.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Zone 1 chief Ahmad Aminuddin Abd Rahim said the victims were relocated to Sekolah Menengah Agama Derang in Pokok Sena.
He said boats were used to move the victims to the evacuation centre and the operation ended at 10.18pm.
"However, when it comes to the latest situation, there are firefighters on standby at the location. They will immediately go to locations where flood victims need help."