KANGAR: Over five hours of heavy rain on Monday led to floods in Perlis, submerging roads and homes as nearby rivers, drains, and ditches overflowed.
Floodwaters reached ankle height on several roads around Kangar and Arau, disrupting traffic and everyday activities.
In response, five temporary flood relief centres (PPS) were activated, three in Arau and two in Kangar, sheltering 686 victims from 225 families.
Checks at SK Sena found many residents were caught off guard by how quickly the floodwaters entered their homes.
Halijah Subuh, 63, from Kampung Tepi Sungai, said it was the first time her house was flooded after Sungai Perlis overflowed.
"While the rain itself didn't cause immediate flooding, most of us at this PPS became victims of flooding due to the overflow from rivers, ditches, and drains that entered our homes.
"During the last flood in September, our house was not affected, but the rain on Monday was unusually heavy and lasted a long time, making me anxious that flooding could occur.
"Unfortunately, my fears were confirmed when the rain stopped and water quickly filled the rivers, ditches, and drains around Kangar, entering our homes early yesterday morning," she said when met today.
Halijah and her 15-year-old grandson quickly moved their belongings, including important documents, to safety.
Sabariah Maulana, 64, said the water rose quickly, though she had anticipated it after seeing it creeping into her home.
"This is the first incident since the September floods, as our area wasn't affected back then. But the rain this time was unusually heavy and lasted longer than before.
"Like it or not, we had to evacuate after being instructed by the authorities, and I hope the water recedes soon so we can return home," she said.
Meanwhile, Perlis Civil Defence Force director Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Mohd Izaimi Md Daud confirmed that 257 victims from 89 families in Kangar had been evacuated, with another 429 victims from 136 families displaced in Arau.