Sudden floods on Redang and Perhentian islands force hundreds to evacuate after heavy rain and high tide phenomenon inundate homes
KUALA TERENGGANU: Continuous heavy rain and high tides have caused sudden flooding on Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, forcing hundreds to evacuate to relief centres.
According to the infobencanajkmv2.jkm.gov.my portal, 369 victims from 81 families are currently sheltering at Masjid Kampung Pulau Redang in Kuala Nerus.
This compares to 276 evacuees reported last night, indicating worsening conditions on the island.
In Pulau Perhentian, 44 victims from 11 families have taken refuge at SK Pulau Perhentian after their homes were inundated earlier today.
Residents reported the flooding occurred rapidly after hours of heavy rainfall combined with rising sea levels due to the high tide phenomenon.
Pulau Perhentian villager Mohd Deraman, 68, said the water level rose quickly from early morning, catching many residents off guard.
“People had little time to prepare because the water rose so fast,” he said when contacted.
“Many rushed to move important belongings and documents to higher ground.”
He added that villagers remain concerned as rain continues without signs of easing.
Several homes and the main village access route were submerged by almost a metre of water.
On Pulau Redang, resident Azmi Awang, 38, said the situation was still manageable and locals were calm.
He noted such conditions occasionally occur during the monsoon season.
Several homes in Kampung Pulau Redang were flooded after heavy rain coincided with the high tide.
“The water reached knee level outside the house, and the road to the jetty is not passable,” he said.
He added that essential supplies remain sufficient with assistance from the authorities. – Bernama
