Johor Faces Severe Floods, Traffic Chaos
The severe floods in Johor have caused widespread disruption, with thousands evacuated and many more affected by the heavy rainfall. The state government is working to address the situation, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of the authorities.
Heavy rain in Johor Bahru has caused massive traffic jams, leaving school buses stuck for seven hours, with some students not returning home until past 10pm, as the state experiences severe floods with over 10,700 people evacuated.
The floods have disrupted learning at 20 schools across Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pontian, Kluang, and Kota Tinggi, with parents expressing frustration on the school's Facebook page due to the prolonged wait for their children. The school initially suspended after-school activities, but parents requested the school to cancel classes or arrange virtual lessons due to the weather and traffic situation. However, the school responded that online classes require advance planning and could not be implemented overnight.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a "severe-level" continuous rain warning for Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, and Johor Bahru until Friday, with traffic congestion being severe in the Johor Bahru city center. Videos have shown flooded major roads and thoroughfares in Tebrau, Pandan, and Larkin. The state government, led by Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi, is taking measures to address the situation, urging residents in high-risk areas to stay vigilant and comply with authorities' directives.
The floods have affected not only Johor but also Sabah and Sarawak, with a total of 8,882 individuals from 2,657 families taking shelter in 111 temporary evacuation centers. Johor is the hardest-hit state, with 7,324 victims from 2,221 families, mainly in Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Kluang, Kulai, and Pontian districts. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as heavy rainfall continues to affect the region, potentially leading to further evacuations.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and follow the instructions of the authorities to ensure their safety. The state government and emergency services are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by the floods, and the public is urged to cooperate and support the relief efforts.