Flood situation worsens in Kelantan, Terengganu

2009/11/22

KUALA LUMPUR: The flood situation in Terengganu and Kelantan has taken a turn for the worse, with all districts in Terengganu affected except for Kuala Terengganu. The coastal road from Kuala Terengganu to Kota Baru has been closed to light traffic following some of its parts being inundated up to 0.5 metres.

State roads closed to light traffic in Terengganu now have reached 28 with 10 in Hulu Terengganu (10), Marang (eight), Setiu (five ), Besut (three ) and Dungun (two).

The number of flood evacuees in the two states have also risen with Terengganu now housing 4,627 people in flood shelters compared to 2,309 people this morning while the number in Kelantan has increased to 1,644 victims as against 793 (in the morning).

However, the situation in Pahang and Perak has not changed much since this morning with only 22 victims remaining at relief centres in Pahang and 824 in Perak.

In KELANTAN, a state flood operations room spokesman in Kota Baru said the breakdown of victims housed in shelters was 724 in Pasir Mas, Kuala Krai (635), Tanah Merah (264), Pasir Puteh (36) and Machang (four).

He said the federal roads linking Kelantan to Terengganu, Kota Baru to Gua Musang and Gerik to Jeli were still passable to light vehicles while the road linking Kota Baru and Kuala Krai at Kampung Sungai Durian, Batu Lapan and also the road from Rantau Panjang to Panglima Bayu could only be used by heavy vehicles.

The water levels at the main measuring points of Sungai Golok and Sungai Kelantan were all above the danger mark, he said.

He also warned Kota Baru residents to be on alert as the measuring point at the Tambatan Diraja was at 4.80 metres and nearing the danger mark (five metres).

No casualties have been reported in this second wave of flooding in Kelantan this month. - Bernama