ALOR SETAR: An allocation of RM78mil has been made for disaster areas in Yan, Kedah, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       Ismail Sabri said the allocation would be used to repair damaged infrastructure and help those who were affected by the floods.

       He said the funds would be used to repair the heavily-damaged irrigation system and for upgrades along the 27km river.

       He said the Federal Government would build a dam and two new bridges with the allocation.

       "The money will also be used to repair houses damaged by the flood," he told a press conference at Masjid Jamek Badlishah here on Monday (Aug 23).

       On Wednesday (Aug 18), flash floods from a heavy rain caused a water surge and landslides in Gunung Jerai while three districts – Yan, Kuala Muda and Bandar Baharu in Kedah – were hit by flash floods.

       The floods claimed six lives, injured several others, damaged numerous homes and infrastructure and affected the lives of over 1,000 people.

       It was reported that 24 Covid-19 positive patients undergoing home quarantine had to be relocated to two low-risk quarantine and treatment centres due to the floods.

       Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the Yan and Kuala Muda districts had been declared Level One disaster areas based on the instructions of the National Security Council due to the seriousness of the floods.