ALOR STAR: After being pounded by continuous heavy rain over the past three days, the weather is finally improving in Kedah.
However, the number of flood evacuees has risen to over 1,000 as of this morning.
State Civil Defence Force (APM) Disaster Management Committee coordinator Captain Saifuddin Abdullah said as at 10am today, the total number of evacuees in the state climbed to 1,104 people from 259 families.
He said 669 new evacuees from 149 families moved into relief centres last night and the numbers are expected to increase today.
As of today, 14 flood relief centres have been opened in five affected districts; Kuala Muda, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu and Pendang.
Three relief centres are operating in Kuala Muda, the worst affected district.
"The SK Bukit Kechil relief centre is housing 390 people from 83 families while the other evacuees in Kuala Muda are seeking shelter at Dewan Kampung Jilid 8 (44 people) and Dewan Kampung Sungai Pial (112 people)," he said in a statement.
In Kota Setar, five relief centres have been opened in SK Titi Gajah (55), Seberang Perak Welfare Department (6), Surau Assyakirin, Kepala Batas (53), and SK Alor Mengkudu (26).
Saifuddin said four relief centres have been opened in Kubang Pasu district; SMK Changlun (148), Surau kampung Kubang Betong (108), SK Kodiang Lama (46) and Dewan Kampung Lahar (43).
"In Pendang, 41 people have moved to Dewan Cenderawasih flood relief centre while 12 others are seeking shelter at Bukit Hijau relief centre," he said.
Authorities said the raging water from upstream in Padang Terap and Jitra flowing down to the sea is causing rivers and irrigation canals near low-lying areas to overflow, leading to the flood.