On Saturday, Sept 23, 2023, a flood in Malaysia’s Perlis and Kedah was caused by heavy rain which triggered several landslides, blocking roads, damaging infrastructure, utilities and claiming lives.
The recent flood situation unfolded a stark contrast between Perlis and Kedah’s recovery efforts. While Perlis has made a remarkable recovery, Kedah finds itself grappling with an unfortunate surge in the number of flood victims.
Both Perlis and Kedah were plunged into this predicament by an unrelenting downpour that commenced on Saturday. The relentless rain, unforgiving in its ferocity, also triggered a series of landslides in Kedah, resulting in road closures and significant property damage.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a yellow-level weather alert, encompassing Kedah, Perlis, Penang, and Perak, valid until September 28, 2023. This ominous forecast portends that adverse weather conditions may persist, further exacerbating the situation.
In Perlis, the community can breathe a sigh of relief as of today, September 27, 2023. The temporary relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Arau, which y five victims from two families, shuttered its doors at 2:45 pm today, permitting all occupants to return to their homes. The facility, inaugurated just yesterday afternoon, served as a haven for residents hailing from Kampung Titi Besi and Kampung Kebun.
In contrast, the flood’s relentless onslaught continues unabated in Kedah. A staggering 701 people, representing 201 families, find themselves afflicted, a substantial surge from the 268 victims belonging to 81 families reported earlier in the day.
Stepping into the fray, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has allocated RM500,000 to provide vital assistance to flood victims in both Kedah and Perlis. The agency has also mobilized an array of resources and personnel to orchestrate relief and rescue operations.
In Kedah, the state government has earmarked relief funds for the restoration of essential infrastructure and public facilities ravaged by the floodwaters. Additionally, they’ve implored the federal government to declare the calamity a national disaster, soliciting greater assistance for the beleaguered areas.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor of Kedah has pledged that the state government will distribute food packs to flood victims once they are permitted to return home. These packs, valued at RM50 each, encompass staples such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, canned goods, biscuits, and mineral water, designed to sustain individuals for three days.
The public have also been invited for contributions, either monetary or in-kind, to relief centres or affiliated NGOs actively involved in flood relief operations. Notable organisations, including Mercy Malaysia, Islamic Relief Malaysia, Malaysian Red Crescent Society, and Global Peace Mission Malaysia, are among those accepting donations.