Perlis flood losses revised down to RM150 million from RM230 million, with 38,589 people affected and clean-up operations now underway
KANGAR: Floods that struck Perlis in late November caused an estimated RM150 million in losses.
Perlis State Secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail said the figure was lower than the initial RM230 million estimate due to the effectiveness of the Western Flood Diversion System.
He said the system helped reduce flooding in several critical areas.
A total of 38,589 people from 13,881 families were affected by the disaster.
This includes those who did not evacuate to the 24 temporary relief centres opened during the floods.
“Rapid water inflow, especially after the release of water from the Timah Tasoh Dam, caused many residential areas and paddy fields to be submerged,” he said.
Large-scale clean-up operations were coordinated through the Disaster Operations Control Centre.
These involved multiple agencies including the Civil Defence Force and the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
The Social Welfare Department, SWCorp, police, fire department and military teams also participated.
Rahimi said flood warning systems and emergency preparedness functioned well despite the fast-rising water.
Cash aid from the National Disaster Management Agency has begun distribution.
About one-third of recipients have already received assistance, with the rest expected to be completed within three weeks. – Bernama
