IPOH: Hundreds of victims have had to be evacuated after continuous rain caused floods to hit several areas in Perak.

       Over two hours of rainfall has caused several areas in Tanjung Malim to be inundated.

       Muallim OCPD Supt Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said the areas affected included Taman Bernam Perdana, Taman Segar, Taman Seri Tanjung, Rumah Makan Muallim, Kampung Berop A, Kampung Berop B and Ketoyong.

       Supt Sulizmie Affendy said the flash flood started at about 5.30pm and is believed to be caused by a swollen Kampung Berop river.

       "Water from the river overflowed and caused water to rise up to about 0.9m.

       "Some 168 victims from 26 houses were affected," he said in a statement on Monday (March 7).

       "A temporary shelter at SMK Khir Johari has been opened though no one has been relocated there.

       "Jalan Slim Lama was also inundated, causing only one lane to be opened to traffic," he added.

       Supt Sulizmie Affendy said the police have mobilised 16 policemen to patrol and monitor the situation in the affected areas.

       "We will beef up patrols to ensure there are no thefts or loss of lives.

       "Home owners and motorists have been advised to be careful and vigilant on the situation," he said, adding that the flood water has started to recede.

       Meanwhile, Teluk Intan Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Ismail Mohd Yunus told Bernama that 18 people from Batu 7 1/2 in Hilir Perak were also affected by flash floods.

       Comprising four families, the victims were now seeking shelter at the Padang Tembak multipurpose hall.

       "The water started rising yesterday because of continuous rain but the water level was not high until this afternoon when it rained heavily this morning," he said.

       He said firemen were still actively monitoring the flooded areas.