Floods: Heavy rain expected in Kota Tinggi, residents urged to prepare for evacuation

KOTA TINGGI: Residents in Kota Tinggi have been urged to prepare to evacuate in case of flooding as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met Malaysia) has predicted heavy rainfall in the district over the weekend.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there were 65 flood hotspots in the district and residents are advised to be vigilant and pay attention to weather forecasts issued by MetMalaysia.

Saifuddin said he had received reports that there were residents in the area who were still reluctant to move to temporary relief centres when directed by authorities during the flood in Kota Tinggi on Jan 7.

“Although there are not many, I would like to advise them not to do so when rescue teams arrive at their residences because if the rescue teams have arrived, it means the rescue mission has already begun.

“Evacuation orders are issued to prevent any unforeseen incidents,” he said after inspecting relief centres set up at the Kota Tinggi Vocational Hall and Dewan Kota Kecil Kota Tinggi, here on Thursday (Jan 11).

Also present were Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat and Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the police had not received any reports of burglaries at houses or business premises since flooding occurred on Jan 7.

Asked about post-flood management, he said government agencies involved had clear standard operating procedures at district, state and national levels on how to mobilise assets and personnel to help flood victims during this phase.

The flood situation in Kota Tinggi, which was the worst affected district by the disaster, is seen to be improving following the decrease in the number of victims placed in relief centres to 4,139 individuals as of 6pm on Thursday.

BK’s observations in the area around the district also found that the floodwaters had completely receded on the main roads in the city centre, which had been completely closed until yesterday due to water levels rising to two metres. – BK