The situation in flood-stricken areas in ohor has worsened with the number of victims evacuated risen to 2,042 as of 10.30 tonight.

According to the National Security Council's portal, 21 flood relief centres ad been set up in three districts affected by floods in the state.

Batu Pahat was the worst hit district with 17 evacuation centres opened followed by Kluang (two) and Ledang (one).

The council advised residents in low-lying areas to be abide by directives ssued by the authorities.

Members of the public are also advised to keep an eye on their children to avoid any ntoward incident.

As of 11am, the affected areas are Parit Raja, Parit Sulong, Semarang, Sri Gading and Penggaram.

The Parit Sulong area covers Kampung Jawa, Kg Parit Gantung, Kg Parit Sentang Batu, Kg Parit Abd Rahman/Parit Abdul Hadi, Kg Parit Yusof Darat, Kg Parit Pulai/Parit Tegak, Kg Parit Othman and Kg Parit Betong.

“The affected areas in Parit Raja, Sri Gading, Semarang dan Penggaram are Kampung Baru Sri Gading, Kampung Sri Gading, Parit Kuari, Kampung Limau Kecil and Kampung Sengkuang,” said the portal.

Rainfall conditions around Batu Pahat was reported to be drizzling and the public can obtain information about the current status of flooding via the website http://portalbanjir.mkn.gov.my or Public@Infobanjir on Twitter .

Meanwhile, the Johor Civil Defence Department said it had mobilised 30 personnel for the rescue operation around Batu Pahat.   

Its director, Col (PA) Ghazali Abd Rahman, said the personnel were adequately equipped, with two boats, two lorries and a four-wheel-drive vehicle to render assistance to the flood evacuees.

Ghazali also said that the department would be able to mobilise more than 100 volunteers from among undergraduates for flood relief operations should the need arise.

- Bernama