KULIM: A wedding feast almost ended in tragedy after a bride’s house was hit by flood in Kampung Sungai Tepus near here yesterday.
Faridun Wahab, 49, said the flood occurred due to a 4-hour heavy downpour just when his relatives and friends arrived for the feast at 2pm.
“The water rose knee deep at 6.30pm, and luckily the feast was almost over,” he said when met today.
Faridun said the feast was for the marriage of his daughter Fatin Norazlin Faridul, 21, to Muhamad Sofi Nordin, 22.
He said they had earlier estimated that at the most the floodwater would be up to their ankle and were shocked when it reached their knees.
“We could not save anything from inside the house including the wedding decoration in the bridal room.
“The floodwater started receding at 10pm but fearing for our safety we decided to move to a homestay in Parit Buntar, Perak.
Meanwhile, Fatin Nurazlin said she would always remember the flood on her wedding day.
“Luckily the wedding dress I wore was safe as I had taken it off and stored it at a higher place,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Department in a statement that stated a total of 59 people from 13 families were moved to a shelter.
Bandar Baharu assemblyman Datuk Norsabrina Mohd Noor said so far only one relief centre had been opened at SK Sungai Kechil Ulu.
“We have provided aid to the victims to reduce their burden due to the incident,” she said.
Besides Kampung Sungai Tepus, other areas affected by the flood were Taman Cahaya Nilam in Parit Nibong, Kampung Permatang Pasir, Kampung Permatang Kerak Telunjuk, Kampung Tebuk Mat Rasid Dab and Perumahan Awam 1 and 2.
“The flood occurred due to Sungai Tepus and Sungai Donit not being able to handle the overflowing water due to heavy rain,” she said.
She added the Drainage and Irrigation Department would evaluate the depth of both riverbeds and take necessary action to overcome the problem.