PENDANG: The number of flood victims in Kedah continues to climb, with over 2,618 individuals from 482 families currently housed at 14 temporary flood relief centres (PPS) as of noon today.
Kedah Welfare Department director Datuk Zulkhairi Zainol Abidin said six districts in the state have been affected, including Kuala Muda, Pendang, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu, Kulim, and Pokok Sena.
"A total of 2,618 victims from 482 families are sheltered at 14 centres across the state, involving six districts.
"Currently, Pokok Sena is the district with the highest number of victims, with 1,083 from 192 families housed in two flood relief centres," he told reporters when met at the Pendang Rakan Sukan Community Hall today.
Zulkhairi said some families have refused to be relocated to the relief centres due to personal reasons.
"There are a few who refused, but on behalf of the Welfare Department, I would advise all victims to relocate immediately if their homes are flooded," he said.
He assured supplies for flood victims who have been evacuated are sufficient and that conditions at the centres are under control.
"Although there is an increase in numbers, the situation remains under control. The Welfare Department, in cooperation with other agencies, has managed operations to ensure smooth assistance for the victims," he added.
Meanwhile, according to the Public Infobanjir website, water levels in eight rivers across the state remain above the danger level and continue to rise as of noon.
Three rivers in Kubang Pasu, two in Kota Setar, and one each in Yan, Padang Terap, and Pendang have surpassed the danger threshold.
In Kubang Pasu, Sungai Terap in Kepala Batas recorded a water level of 4.42 metres (m), surpassing the danger level of 3.8m, while Sungai Bata in Kampung Bata registered 9.51m, exceeding 9.14m. Sungai Laka in Kampung Padang Pasir measured 23m, surpassing the danger level of 21.6m.
In Kota Setar, Sungai Anak Bukit in Taman Aman recorded a level of 3.19m, exceeding 2.6m, while at Jambatan TAR, Sungai Anak Bukit recorded 2.01m, above the danger level of 1.7m.
In Pendang, Sungai Titi Kerbau in Kubur Panjang recorded 6.39m, surpassing 6.3m, while Sungai Perik in Kampung Perik, Padang Terap, recorded 14.82m, exceeding 14.2m.
In Yan, Sungai Gurun in Kampung Perupok measured at 3.62m, surpassing the danger level of 3.5m.
Four other rivers – Sungai Ketil and Sungai Sedim in Baling, Sungai Sari in Padang Terap, and Sungai Kedah at Jambatan Lebuhraya Kota Setar – have exceeded the warning level.
Sungai Janing in Kampung Labi, Padang Terap, is now at the alert level.
Eleven rivers in the state are showing a rising trend with one showing a downwards trend in water levels.