By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Dec 21 — The flooding disaster which began on December 18 has claimed 17 lives as of 8am today, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said of the total, 10 victims were found in Klang, four in Sepang, and three in Hulu Langat.
However the official cause of death has yet to be released by the Royal Malaysia Police.
“Currently, the investigations are still ongoing and the cause of death could be due to the floods or other reasons, such as a lack of medical treatment. One of the deaths involving a volunteer was also recorded during the disaster.
“Throughout the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, a total of 453 assets and vehicles belonging to state government agencies and the Federal government agencies were deployed.
“This includes the Civil Defense Force (APM), the Royal Malaysia Police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Army, the Social and Welfare Department, and the Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department (Rela),” Amirudin said during a press conference regarding the current floods situation in Selangor, at the State Secretariat Building earlier today.
On December 18, several districts in Selangor were struck by heavy flooding after continuous heavy rainfall occurred in the state.
Amirudin said the rainfall has increased by two folds to 380 millimetres in one day, compared to its highest record of 180mm and its average rainfall of 60mm.
As of today, over 30,000 people have been evacuated and transferred to 203 temporary relief centres throughout the state.
