ALOR STAR: Mohd Najmuddin Md Noor's family home in Kampung Titi Gajah, nestled by Sungai Anak Bukit, has endured floods before, but this time the waters left a deeper mark.
The flood swept away his late mother's treasured belongings — priceless furniture and irreplaceable mementos.
Najmuddin, a trader, estimated the cost of repairs at RM10,000, though he said the real loss was more than money.
"My mother, Mariam Abd Razak, passed away in 2020 at 66 due to health issues. I inherited this house along with her belongings.
"Many of the appliances and furniture she cherished are now gone. These aren't just things you can replace; they are priceless," he said while clearing up the mess.
He recalled how the water rose swiftly, reaching the knees on the morning of Sept 20.
"I woke up to a flooded room. It was too late to save most of my mother's belongings. I only managed to secure important documents.
"This is the worst flooding since 2010 when the water reached chest level. The impact this time is still severe," said the single father of four.
Najmuddin said he was not able to move to any flood relief centre.
"I visited several centres but they were full. In the end, I slept in my car on higher ground. My kids were with their mother. I didn't want to risk staying in a flooded house, what with dangerous creatures possibly lurking in the water."
Najmuddin said he is still waiting for assistance from the authorities.
"I've filed a police report for the damage, and I'm hoping compensation will be granted soon."
Another resident, Ahmad Farhan Che Mi, 37, feared there would be more floods as the monsoon transition looms.
"I'm worried about another flood. I've already moved my wife and child to a relative's house and told them to stay put there. I tried seeking shelter at a flood relief centre earlier but it was full," he said.
Farhan said 30 houses were severely affected as the water level rose up to one metre.
"I estimate my losses at RM2,000. It'll take two or three days to set things straight. I just hope another flood doesn't come."
Najmuddin and Farhan are among thousands affected by the floods in Kedah.
Over 8,400 people in seven districts sought shelter at more than 40 centres since the floods began last week.
Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Kubang Pasu and Pendang are the worst-hit areas.