KUALA LUMPUR: The flood situation continues unabated in the southern states during the first day of the Chinese New Year.

In Malacca, the number of victims increased to 4,600 people (1,005 families) Monday morning from 4,317 (956) Sunday night.

State Malaysian Civil Defence Department (JPAM) director Lt Col Effendy Ali said of the total, 3,020 victims were housed at six evacuation centres in the Melaka Tengah district.

Alor Gajah district had 1,560 victims sheltered six evacuation centres and the Jasin district with 24 victims at one relief centre.

“The number of victims at the 13 relief centres rose due to heavy rain last night, causing several areas to be flooded,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

In Negri Sembilan, there was a slight increase, with the number of evacuees increasing to 662.

State JPAM director Lt Col Kamal Mokhtar said in a statement that as of 8am, the number of relief centres in the district remained at six.

The Gemenceh-Gemas road, which was fully repaired, was expected to be open to all vehicles at 5pm.

In Johor, floods victims increased to 126 involving 32 families who were evacuated to three relief centres in Tangkak district.-thestar