KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 17, 2009) : The intermittent to heavy rain now experienced in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang is expected to prolong until Thursday and trigger floods in low-lying areas close to river banks, the Meteorological Department warned today.

In a statement, it advised the people to be cautious and abide by the instructions of the authorities to evacuate when the floods come or when it is necessary for them to do so, especially during the yellow alert when monsoon rain is expected to fall over 24 to 48 hours.

It identified the flood-prone areas as Tumpat, Kota Baru, Bachok, Pasir Putih, Machang, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai, Jeli and Gua Musang in Kelantan; Besut, Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Hulu Terengganu, Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu; and Kuantan, Jerantut, Pekan, Rompin and Maran in Pahang.

Similar weather is forecast for Kedah and northern Perak, in the districts of Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Larut, Matang and Selama as well as Kerian, from now to Thursday.

The department warned of yellow alert rain in Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas today.

It also warned of strong winds and rough seas in the Condore, Samui (Kelantan and Terengganu), Reef North, Layang-layang, Palawan and northern Sabah areas between now and Sunday.

These conditions would be dangerous for small boats and sea sports, it said.

The department said the coastal areas of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are also exposed to the danger of rising sea level between today and Friday.

In Kedah, the number of flood victims in the six affected districts continued to rise from 1,621 on Monday to 1,664 this morning.

A state flood operations room spokesman told Bernama the number of flood victims in the Kota Setar relief centres continued to rise from 723 (209 families) to 876 (254 families).

"In Kubang Pasu, 358 victims from 96 families have been placed in four relief centres, in Pokok Sena, 84 victims from 20 families have been placed in two relief centres, and there are 30 victims from 11 families in Baling and Kulim," the spokesman said.

"In Bandar Baharu, there are 316 victims from 69 families placed at five relief centres."

In Perak, the number of people evacuated in the Kerian district rose to 1,166 yesterday morning from 545 yesterday. -- Bernama