ALOR STAR: The number of flood victims evacuated to temporary flood relief centres (PPS) statewide have increased to 341 individuals from 102 households, involving five PPS in three districts.
The deluge has affected five districts namely Kubang Pasu, Kota Star, Pendang, Kuala Muda and Pokok Sena following heavy downpours in the state since Monday.
State Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Disaster Management Operation chief Saifuddin Abdullah said the most recent PPS activated, SK Bukit Hijau in Pokok Sena, accommodated 73 individuals from 21 families as of 2am today.
"However, there are no PPS active in Pendang and Kuala Muda districts. As of 11am today, SMK Changlun PPS has provided shelter to 150 victims from 43 families, while the PPS at Dewan Kampung Tradisi in Changlun has 38 individuals from 12 families.
"The Dewan Taman Seri Bagan PPS in Kota Setar is hosting 40 individuals from 14 families while SK Taman Aman PPS is accommodating 40 victims from 12 families," he told reporters after conducting monitoring operations at Sungai Anak Bukit, Taman Aman here today.
"Today's weather has seen an improvement, there is no rainfall today yet. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has also informed that the situation will get better today," he added
Yesterday, state MetMalaysia director Muhammad Khalil Abd Aziz said that the weather conditions in the northern states were expected to improve by today.
He said based on weather model analysis, weather conditions after today were expected to be less severe but will remain humid.
However, Saifuddin said that based on forecasts from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), a high tide phenomenon is expected to occur from Sept 29 to Oct 2 in the coastal areas.
He warned there was a small chance if the flood situation persists before the anticipated high tide, coastal areas would be vulnerable to intense deluge.
Meanwhile, Nisa Abdul, 52, a resident of Kampung Seberang Anak Bukit, shared her experience when floodwaters entered her house rapidly due to its proximity to Sungai Anak Bukit, about 50 meters away.
She said her family was preparing to pack essential items and documents in case they needed to relocate if the water level doesn't recede.
"I live here with my 21-year-old daughter, and luckily, she's here to help me move items inside the house." she added.