MORE than 3,200 people have been evacuated from floods here yesterday, but the figure is expected to rise as several relief centres are still tallying the number of evacuees.

Forty-three relief centres have been opened in Johor Baru, Pontian, Kulai and Kota Tinggi after continuous rain since Wednesday caused rivers to overflow.

State Disaster Management Committee chairman Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani said Johor Baru was the worst-hit district, with more than 1,200 victims housed in 17 centres.

Eleven schools are reported to be cut off. In Kulai, five centres have been set up, housing more than 500 victims. In Kota Tinggi, 1,095 people have been evacuated, and in Pontian, 493 victims have fled their homes.

These figures are expected to rise as newly opened centres update their data. All executive council members are helping victims and organising aid.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said any delays in flood-mitigation work would not be tolerated. The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a severe continuous rain warning for Johor Baru, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai and Kota Tinggi until today.

The districts of Tangkak, Segamat, Muar and Batu Pahat are on yellow alert for prolonged rain. Sungai Johor, Sungai Pulai, Sungai Skudai and Sungai Tebrau have exceeded the danger level, heightening flood risks.

Police have deployed hundreds of personnel to assist rescue operations. State police chief Datuk M. Kumar said officers were working with agencies using boats and lorries.

“We have mobilised all available personnel to ensure swift assistance and evacuations,” he said. “We urge flood victims to cooperate with the authorities to ensure their safety.”

He said residents in flood-prone areas must take the following precautions: packing only essential items such as medicine and vital documents, and switching off electricity supply before evacuating.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Siti Rohani Nadir said personnel had been deployed to flood-prone areas since Wednesday. “Their priority is the safety and wellbeing of flood victims,” She said.

Rohani said people in flooded areas should evacuate before floodwaters rise further. The public is advised against playing in the rain, as currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.

She advised parents to keep a close eye on their children.