Flash Flood In Kedah Affects Over 10 Villages In Yan And Kuala Muda

Flash flood affects over 10 villages in Kedah

It’s that time of year again, as the nation embraces a series of flash floods signalling the arrival of the infamous monsoon season. Each year, we hear many heartbreaking stories of floods across the country claiming lives and causing huge property damage. This year, amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, folks in the northern region are affected by a massive flash flood in different parts of Kedah.

Villages in Yan and Kuala Muda districts severely affected by flood

Video credit: Hazwan Hussain

Photos and videos of a flash flood destroying villages in Kedah have been circulated virally on social media since yesterday. The heartbreaking incident has also made the headlines nationally.

Yesterday, Astro Awani reported flash flooding at the foothills of Mount Jerai in Kedah, affecting many housing areas and tourist attractions in Yan, Gurun and Merbok. The incident is believed to have taken place yesterday around 3PM due to a heavy downpour.

The publication said that some 10 villages in Yan and Kuala Muda districts have been severely affected by the massive flash flood causing huge loss of property and infrastructure, among others. The affected villages are Kampung Perigi, Teroi Bukit, Singkir, Kampung Permatang Keramat, Kampung Lubuk Boi, Pekan Yan Besar, Titi Teras, Kg. Acheh and Kampung Setoi.

Video credit: Hazwan Hussain

Meanwhile, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor told the press that the floodwater at the foothills of Mount Jerai resulted from the overflowing of three rivers such as the Kunyit River, Teroi River and the Puteri Mandi River.

He also clarified that there were no logging activities detected in the Mount Jerai Reserve Forest, which is thought to be the cause of the flash flood.

It is believed that some 60 flood victims have to be evacuated immediately from the affected villages to the nearby school buildings. Authorities are in the process of evacuating flood victims. So far three are reported to be missing and one has unfortunately died from the incident.

Flash flood in Kedah destroying villages and tourist attractions

As many of you may be aware, the monsoon season is approaching so we can expect to face harsher weather for the next few months. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the flood victims in Kedah. We hope that the evacuation process will be completed soon.