Floodwaters have inundated Kampung Tersang, leaving 56 families on edge as the situation continued to worsen since yesterday morning.

Resident Mohd Hirwan Faizal Che Rajiuon, 42, said continuous rain since Thursday afternoon caused Sungai Golok to overflow.

He said residents were on high alert, with many moving valuables and important documents to higher ground in case of a sudden surge in water levels.

“If the heavy rain continues tonight (yesterday), the water level around my house could rise by half a metre, forcing us to relocate to the temporary evacuation centre at SK Gual To’ Deh,” he said at his home yesterday.

“Our village usually floods up to 3m during major floods, leaving residents no choice but to evacuate to shelters or higher ground for safety.

“We’ve been anxious for the past two days, especially with reports warning that flooding could to start today (yesterday).”

Resident Mohd Zailani Mohd Nor, 36, said he told his family to pack their belongings in preparation for evacuation.

He said it usually took two to three days for the area to be completely inundated.

“I’ve been checking Sungai Golok’s level near my house almost every hour. I’ve cleaned our boat, which will be our main mode of transport during the flood.

“Residents have stocked up on essentials like rice, cooking oil, mineral water, dried fish and eggs to ensure adequate food during the flood as we may be cut off from town due to submerged roads.

“We’re hoping this year’s flood won’t be severe. We fear damage to our homes and belongings. Our village floods almost every year.”

In Kuala Krai, Bernama reported that almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala, near Kuala Pertang, were stranded when the 200m-long concrete bridge flooded due to continuous heavy rain since Thursday.

Resident Zainuddin Daud, 61, said the bridge would flood when it rained more than three hours.

“I’ve lived here since I was young. Every year, if it rains, especially during the monsoon season, we will be stuck.

“This has been going on for a long time. I’m not sure whether we would be cut off when the new bridge is built. If that happens, it will affect us all,” he said in Kampung Kuala Pertang yesterday.

Former oil palm plantation worker, Yusoff Sidi, 61, said he would evacuate to a relief shelter if the situation worsened.

“There are two routes (bridges) that we can use. If this bridge floods, then we will use the other one. If both are uncrossable, then we will be stuck and need to evacuate to the relief centre.”

Kampung Kuala Pertang Village Security Development Committee chairman Adnan Mat Yassin hoped the more than 30year-old concrete bridge could be replaced quickly so that villagers could use it, especially during the monsoon period.

“The authorities want to get the bridge done, but until now, it’s not complete. I urge the authorities to quickly get it done.”

Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Station chief Nik Ahmad Afsham Nik Pa said firefighters would patrol the area regularly to ensure the safety of residents.