YAN: Residents of Kampung Titi Teras and Kampung Teroi Bukit at the foot of Gunung Jerai are facing floods again after five hours of continuous heavy rain caused a river to overflow into their homes early today.
Kampung Titi Teras Village Community Council chairman Kamarudin Arifin said initial checks found about 20 houses affected by the floods.
He said residents grew worried and prepared for possible flooding whenever heavy rain continued.
"Since the beginning of the year, the area has been flooded more than five times, with the latest incident on Sept 20.
"Some residents have moved out, while others have remained in their homes. I hope they will be prepared if the weather gets worse," he said when met here today.
Kampung Titi Teras resident Sharip Saod, 75, said heavy rain that began at about 10pm yesterday caused water levels to rise at around 3am.
He said he, his wife and their son, who is in his 40s, stayed awake to monitor the water level and ensure their family's safety.
"We have been awake since last night because the rain has not stopped. So far, things are still under control. We have moved whatever household belongings we could save to the side.
"It is exhausting to be hit by floods so often, but there is nothing we can do except face it," he said.
Yan Civil Defence Force officer Lieutenant (PA) Muhammad Zul Izzi Zulkifli advised residents, particularly the elderly and other vulnerable groups, to evacuate if instructed by the authorities.
Monitoring showed that water levels had yet to change significantly and could rise further due to the high tide, delaying the recession of floodwaters, he said.
He said the Malaysian Meteorological Department had also forecast continuous rain in the area over the next few days.
The latest data showed that 105 flood victims in two districts had been affected. Of these, 65 were housed at the SK Teroi temporary relief centre in Yan, while another 40 were at the Surau As Saadiah relief centre in Gurun, Kuala Muda.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
