KUANTAN: Rescuers have begun evacuating families whose homes were hit by floods to relief centres following heavy rain which lashed the state capital since yesterday.

A state Civil Defence Force spokesman said as of 2pm today, the downpour and gloomy weather has forced 1,310 people from 342 families to be evacuated to six relief centres here.

He said the Dewan Dato Manan Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) has 560 victims followed by Wisma Belia Indera Mahkota (300), Taman Tas hall (220 people), Sri Mahkota hall (143), Sri Damai hall (57) and Jaya Gading hall (30).

“The victims were moved to the relief centres in stages from 10am today. Some arrived on their own and some were rescued by the Civil Defence Force along with other agencies.

“It is still raining in most parts of Kuantan and judging by the current situation, there could be an increase in flood victims and PPS later today,” he said, adding the inundated settlements include Seri Damai and Kampung Pandan here.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a danger-level continuous heavy rain warning for Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin until tomorrow, while severe-level continuous heavy rain warning has also been issued for Jerantut, Temerloh, Maran and Bera.

The alert-level continuous rain warning was issued for Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub and Bentong.

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