RANTAU PANJANG: Residents of Rantau Panjang are growing anxious, with the heavy rain since last night lending fears of Sungai Golok bursting its banks and flooding.
Memories of February's floods, which left Rantau Panjang cut off from other districts and damaging countless properties, are still fresh in their minds,
One resident, Nafisah Azmi, 28, said she was unable to sleep the whole of last night due to the heavy rain. She was worried that her house, which has already experienced minor flooding the last two weeks, would be engulfed in water.
She said she would be at a loss if her home was hit by floods with the same level of intensity as the one in February.
"What else can I do? The best I can do is ensure my family is moved to a safer area.
"We're hoping that the river level doesn't rise any further. If it does, we'll be stuck in the temporary evacuation centre for weeks while our house is submerged.
"In addition, our house is a wooden house. It could rot if it's in the water for too long," she said.
According to publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my, the water level at Sungai Golok is fast approaching the danger level as of 7.15am and is expected to rise further.
Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department director, Jainal@Zainal Madasain, advised the people to be prepared for any eventuality.
"Based on data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Kelantan is expected to see heavy rain from Dec 17 to 20.
"If this continues, Rantau Panjang could also be affected.
"Everyone needs to be in a state of readiness. I appeal to those affected by floods to move to safer ground to prevent any untoward incidences," he said.