FLOODING IN KEDAH CAUSED BY HEAVY RAINFALL, HIGH TIDES - MB

JITRA, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The floods that hit the state over the past week, particularly in the Kota Setar district, are believed to have been caused by heavy rainfall and high tides that lasted several days.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said despite the evacuation of many victims due to the current floods, the situation is not as severe as in 2010.

“This flood incident is the second worst in Kedah in recent years after the 2010 event. It is believed to have resulted from heavy rainfall and the high tide phenomenon.

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“When this occurs, water on land is unable to flow to the sea, resulting in extensive flooding that lasts for quite some time,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims at relief centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tunku Seri Indera Putera near here today.

Muhammad Sanusi, however, said the situation is improving, as favourable weather has led to receding floodwaters in affected areas, allowing residents to return to their homes.

Meanwhile, he said that six flood mitigation (RTB) projects are being implemented in Kedah, involving a total cost of more than RM512 million.

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The projects are the Sungai Kedah/Anak Bukit RTB Package 2, Pendang RTB Package 1, Pendang RTB Package 2, Bandar Jitra Selatan RTB, Baling RTB Phase 2, and the sabo dam construction project in Sungai Kupang, Baling.

Muhammad Sanusi said six more RTB, erosion control, and coastal conservation projects in several districts are in the procurement and design stages, with an estimated cost of more than RM309 million.

--BERNAMA