KUANTAN: Rain-soaked Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor residents have been urged to brace for more downpours this weekend.
In a statement today, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said that heavy rain is expected to continue until Saturday at several districts in the four states.
Areas most at risk include Pasir Mas, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Machang, Pasir Puteh and Kuala Krai in Kelantan; Hulu Terengganu in Terengganu; and Rompin in Pahang.
For residents of Tumpat, Kota Bhatu, Bachok and Gua Musang in Kelantan; Besut, Kuala Nerus, Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu; Jerantut, Pekan and Kuantan in Pahang; and Mersing and Kota Tinggi in Johor, MetMalaysia has urged precautions to be taken as downpours are expected in these areas until Monday.
Meanwhile, the number of people forced from their inundated homes in eastern Peninsular Malaysia continues to rise.
In Kuala Krai, 55 people from 10 families from Kampung Chenulang were evacuated to the relief centre at SK Chenulang after their homes were submerged in about 0.8m of floodwater.
Kampung Chenulang's Village Community Management Council chairman Mat Jusoh Mat Nor said he expects the figure to rise following non-stop heavy rain since Thursday night, with Sungai Chenulang on the verge of bursting its banks.
Other flooded villages in Kuala Krai include Kampung Kebun Pisang, Kampung Pasir Jering and Kampung Enggong.
Flood victim Zaid Ahmad said floodwaters began inundating his home at Kampung Enggong at around 8am today.
"My family and I were stranded and could not leave as the road in front of our house was flooded.
“But we are ready to move any time now," said the 49-year-old father of three.
In Besut, the number of flood victims increased to 283 people from 69 families as of 2pm. They were evacuated to relief centres at Sekolah Kebangsaan Felda Tenang, Dewan Terbuka Belaoh and Masjid Kampung La.
Incessant heavy rain in Besut and Setiu since last night has caused the levels of three rivers in Setiu and one in Besut to breach the danger point, according to the portal of the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
It also reported that the levels of several rivers in Hulu Terengganu and Dungun have exceeded the alert and warning points.