Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it.
They also occur when water fills normally dry creeks or streams or enough water accumulates for streams to overtop their banks, causing rapid rises of water in a short amount of time.
Photo via Kwiknews
They can happen within minutes of the causative rainfall, limiting the time available to warn and protect the public.
Recently, a total of 499 flood victims from 109 families in Baling, Kedah were rescued and evacuated to three relief centers (PPS) by firefighters through an operation that ended on Wednesday (July 6th).
According to Malay Mail, Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican said of the 164 victims were placed at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jerai, 78 victims at Sekolah Menengah Agama Yayasan Khairiah and 257 victims at Surau An Nur, Taman Mesra.
“To ensure that the victims can return to their homes immediately, I have instructed the Fire and Rescue Department together with PBS (the Volunteer Fire Brigade) to start cleaning up the affected roads and houses,” he said.
Photo via New Straits Times
Reezal added that he would ensure that the post-flood operation carried out by agencies under his ministry would be done in an integrated manner with the cooperation of the Social Welfare Department and local authorities.
The floods in Baling claimed three lives while more than 1,400 residents had to be evacuated to three temporary shelters as seven houses were completely destroyed and about 70 other houses were damaged.
It must be scary for the victims. We’re glad that they are now safe.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
