MARAN: Six hours of continues heavy downpour early today triggered flash floods at several low lying villages here, forcing 407 people to be evacuated to relief centres.
State Civil Defence Force director Colonel Zainal Yusoff said six villages were inundated and the evacuation process began about 1am today.
"The water rises very fast and most of the homes were affected. Firemen and policemen provided immediate assistance to help relocate the victims to a safer place.
"Although the rain has stopped, the authorities are still monitoring the water level at the areas and we hope it will recede by evening," he said today.
As of 11am, 224 people were seeking shelter at the Kampung Baru Sungai Chedung relief centre, Taman Sri Chedung surau (40), Kampung Berkat hall (23), Kampung Bintang surau (7), As-Syikirin mosque (86) and Taman Maran Jaya surau (27).
UPDATE:
As of 6pm, some of the affected villagers have started to return home.
Only 228 people remained at two relief centres this evening, said Zainal.
"The rain has stopped, allowing most of the flood victims to return to their homes. The remaining villagers are expected to return home tomorrow." he said.