Gunung Jerai villages hit by floods repeatedly

Villages located at the base of Gunung Jerai have repeatedly endured floods, with residents of Kampung Titi Teras and Kampung Teroi Bukit facing inundation after five hours of relentless rainfall caused a river to overflow into their homes. Chairperson of the Kampung Titi Teras Village Community Council, Kamarudin Arifin, reported that preliminary assessments discovered approximately 20 houses impacted by the floods.

The persistent heavy rain has left residents apprehensive, with many preparing for potential future flooding. Since the start of the year, the region has suffered from more than five flood incidents, the most recent occurring on September 20. Some inhabitants have relocated, while others have chosen to remain in their homes.

Sharip Saod, a 75-year-old resident of Kampung Titi Teras, recounted how the heavy rain commenced around 10 pm the previous evening and led to rising water levels by 3 am. He and his family, including his 40-something son, stayed vigilant to monitor the water levels and safeguard their safety. Despite the ongoing rain, the situation remains under control, with the family having moved their belongings to higher ground.

Saod expressed the exhaustion of facing floods repeatedly, emphasizing that they must simply endure the circumstances.

Lieutenant (PA) Muhammad Zul Izzi Zulkifli, a member of the Yan Civil Defence Force, cautioned residents, especially the elderly and other vulnerable groups, to evacuate if authorities instruct them to do so. Monitoring indicated that water levels had not yet significantly receded due to the high tide, which could prolong the floodwaters' presence.

Furthermore, the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasted continuous rainfall in the area over the forthcoming days. The most recent data revealed that 105 flood victims across two districts were affected, with 65 residing at the SK Teroi temporary relief center in Yan and 40 at the Surau As Saadiah relief center in Gurun, Kuala Muda.