PONTIAN: The increasing water levels in the Ayer Baloi sub-district have led to an increase in flood victims from 120 to 131, encompassing 41 families. Among those affected are a man with disabilities and a woman recovering from childbirth.
All victims have been relocated to the Temporary Relief Centre (PPS) at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Seri Anom in Sanglang, which opened its doors at 8.30pm last night. The flooding has impacted three villages, namely Kampung Jawa, Parit Gantung, and Kampung Parit Lancang.
Area 10 in Mukim Ayer Baloi, village chief, Abu Bakar Jasman, said that the number of victims has increased since this morning due to the rising waters.
"Since 8.30pm last night, a total of 120 victims from 31 families had been moved to the PPS, assisted by various security agencies.
"However, this morning, after dawn, the number of victims rose to 131 from 41 families who had to be evacuated as the waters continue to rise and flood their homes," he said when met at the PPS Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Anom earlier.
He said that the rise in water levels is caused by inland water flow colliding with high tide.
"It cannot be denied that the flooding is a result of prolonged rain, making the victims' homes unsafe," he added.
Victim Muhammad Hakimi Abdullah, 20, from Kampung Batu Hampar Sanglang, shared that due to the flooding, he, along with his wife Siti Zulaika, 19, and their 20-day-old son, had to move to the PPS as their home was unsafe.
"Our son is our first child, born on Sept 14. The water rose rapidly, nearly reaching our knees, but we managed to wade through 10 metres of water to reach the main road before receiving assistance from various security agencies.
"We are very grateful not only for our safe arrival at the PPS but also for the kindness of those involved and the excellent treatment at the centre," he said, noting he works as a lorry driver transporting palm oil.
Another victim, Artinah Ithnin, 48, from Kampung Lancang Ayer Baloi, said that she has experienced flooding for over 10 years.
Artinah, a mother of four and currently unemployed, described how the floodwaters entered her home, reaching knee height.
"What is particularly distressing is that I had to bring my husband, Md Jefri Osman, 55, who has been undergoing haemodialysis treatment for four years, to the PPS with the help of the community.
"Flooding often recurs and not only damages household items but also submerges various crops, such as vegetables, for prolonged periods," she said.