Horrific videos of massive floods sweeping through the district of Yan in Kedah, claiming at least three lives, have been circulating online since yesterday.
The floods affected multiple areas including Sungai Kunyit, Sungai Teroi and Sungai Puteri Mandi, where reports of flooding began as early as 5.30pm yesterday. Videos circulating on social media showed muddy water gushing down a hill and washing through homes. Three more individuals were also reported missing.
Kedah Chief Minister Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that the flood had affected the base of Mount Jerai, or Gunung Jerai, and at least nine areas near rivers such as Perigi, Singkir, Titi Teras and Teroi Bukit. A disaster operations control center has been activated for evacuation.
Around 100 people whose homes were damaged by floods brought upon by hours-long heavy rain have been evacuated, he said. They include 14 who were tested positive for COVID-19, 45 who were under precautionary quarantine, and roughly 60 others.
None of the deceased persons have been publicly identified. The body of an elderly man was found near Gunung Jerai in Yan yesterday.
The three individuals who were reported missing had disappeared after a massive landslide at the mountain. One of them was believed to be standing near a house that collapsed at Salak Denai Chalet. The search and rescue team saved two people there.
“We also received reports that there are victims trapped on the roofs of houses in Kg Setol, but they have been rescued,” Sanusi added. The state minister denied logging activities as the culprit behind the flooding, blaming it on the waterhead at Gunung Jerai instead.
“The Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve is gazetted as a protected area, so there is no timber activity there,” he said.
Flash floods also affected other areas in the northern region, including Penang Island.
The floods happen as Malaysia experiences the southwest monsoon season, which is expected to continue until next month, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
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