New Straits Times
Sunday, Dec 16, 2012
KOTA BARU - Heavy rain in the state since Friday night had caused many residents, particularly those in the high-risk areas, to brace for floods.
Checks in these flood-prone areas saw residents making early preparations to reduce the threat and for smooth evacuation.
Pantai Sabak residents, including Abdullah Awang, said they had stored their vital documents and valuables in safe places.
He and his son were also busy digging ditches next to his home in the hope of reducing the threat of rising water.
"We have been doing this every year to make sure our home will not be flooded," said the father of five.
Checks in Rantau Panjang saw many villagers, especially those living in the low-lying areas, busy packing their belongings and storing them in safe places.
Trader Azmi Yahya, 34, of Kampung Lubok Setol, said his house would usually be hit. He said the village was among 20 villages in Rantau Panjang to be affected as they were located near the Golok river.
Housewife Azizah Isa, 52, of Kampung Lubok Jong, said her neighbourhood would normally flood following prolonged heavy rain.
The Meteorological department had issued flood warnings following thunderstorms and heavy rain in Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sarawak, Negri Sembilan and Malacca.
