PADANG BESAR: At least three families in two villages here were moved to a relief centre following the release of water from the Timah Tasoh dam, two days ago.
Four dam gates were opened by about 400 millimetres after the water level at the dam rose above its normal level.
The two affected villages were Kampung Padang Malau and Kampung Padang Malau Dalam.
State Drainage and Irrigation Department director, Ir Abdul Najin Abdullah said continuous rain since two days ago had increased the water level at the dam to 29.67 metres.
"We had to open four of the six dam gates to avoid any untoward incidents.
"We will close the gates when the water level returns to normal at 29.5 metres," he said in a statement.
One of the villagers, Nordin Saad, 64, said, the village was always hit by flash floods even if there is no rain.
"We are lucky that the department informed us earlier of their plan to release the water.
"It has allowed us to make necessary preparations including moving valuables and electrical appliances to safety," he said.
Translated from Berita Harian