Flood levels in Batu Pahat are rising, public is urged to be vigilant

BATU PAHAT: Police are urging the public, particularly non-governmental organization (NGO) volunteers, to be vigilant following a rise in flood levels in this district.

Batu Pahat district police chief, ACP Ismail Dollah, said police detected a 0.3-0.5 meter rise in flood water levels in the district this afternoon despite hot weather.

Ismail said this was due to the flow of water from Segamat district to the district via Sri Medan and then to Parit Sulong.

The areas still affected by flooding here are Parit Raja, Ayer Hitam and Taman Sri Gading.

“I advise those who want to enter this area to be careful because there are stretches that are still flooded or only one stretch is open. Follow the instructions of the authorities,” he told Bernama when he met here at Sri Medan Police Station today.

He said the three main roads still closed to all types of vehicles are Sri Medan-Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat to Parit Sulong via Jalan Parit Jalil and Seri Gading-Sri Medan.

He said other routes are still open, but certain routes are only open in one direction.

“Up until yesterday, we have closed eight temporary relief centers due to flooding in those places, including Sri Medan, Parit Haji Kamisan, Tongkang Pechah and Yong Peng,” he said.

A review by Bernama in Sri Medan today revealed the weather was hot but floodwaters were still pouring onto the streets and some homes were flooded.

As of 4pm today, Johor’s flood casualties totaled 43,270, including nine districts, with Batu Pahat being the hardest hit with 21,164 evacuees. -Bernama