By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Dec 20 — A total of 90 per cent of flood victims in all areas affected by the floods in Selangor have been rescued and evacuated.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari described the evacuation process as important because the residents lack the equipment and the security factors.
He stated that only the residents of Sections 23, 24 and 25 here, estimated to be over 1,000 people, are still in the process of being rescued.
“Many victims are trapped here, some are at home and many also escaped to Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Sri Muda.
“In other areas, I think 90 per cent of the victims have been successfully evacuated,” he said after a visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Sri Muda that lasted for four hours last night.
He admitted the rescue effort faced challenges as the area is dark and floodwater had not receded, coupled with abandoned cars which made it difficult for the rescue boats to manoeuvre.
Yesterday, the Defence Ministry in a statement mentioned that Armed Forces personnel from the Fourth Division of the Malaysian Infantry who carried out the rescue operation faced difficulties as their boat movement was obstructed by submerged objects.
Unusual heavy rains since Saturday saw more than double rainfall from the previous high of 180mm, which resulted in many areas in the state being inundated.
All state government assets and Federal agencies including the Fire and Rescue Department, Police and Armed Forces were mobilised to evacuate the victims to safety as well as distribute basic necessities.
