Tanah merah: While floodwaters have receded in several villages in Tanah Merah, the anxiety among residents persists. Despite the cleanup efforts, many are still haunted by the question: “Will the flood return tonight?”

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a check at Kampung Manal, Kampung Kulim, Kampung Jerangau, and Kampung Paku revealed that residents have returned to their homes to clear thick mud and salvage any usable items left behind after last week’s flood.

Kamilah Abdul Rahman, 73, a resident of Kampung Kulim who lives alone, shared that while the floodwaters have receded, she is still unable to feel at ease. She mentioned the annual recurrence of floods in their village, which typically happens two to three times. “I can’t rest yet. Now I’m cleaning the mud, because if I leave it, it will become even harder to remove,” she said. Even though she didn’t have to evacuate this time, she took precautions by placing important belongings in higher places.

In Kampung Jerangau, Muhammad Aiman Sakri, 27, and his family have grown accustomed to relocating to the temporary relief centre at SK Kulim every monsoon season. He stated that, “This time, the water rose to chest level. Although it receded quickly, we can’t feel completely safe until the monsoon season is over.”

Meanwhile, in Kampung Paku, Gual Ipoh, Lukman Hafiz Abdul Ghani said his family was only cleaning what they could, fearing the flood’s return. He expressed concern about their low-lying house, which makes it susceptible to flooding. “Last week, the water almost reached inside; it was knee-high outside,” he said.

In Tumpat, residents of Kampung Bendang Pak Yong are also on edge. Muhammad Zaidi, 44, observed a slow rise in the water level by about 0.3 meters and noted the growing concern among residents. “The water is rising slowly, but it’s worrying because at night, the situation can change suddenly. The rising tide also complicates things,” he added.

Kampung Simpangan resident Senah Deraman, 55, remarked that this year’s floods haven’t reached the scale of last year’s major floods, yet vigilance remains. “It all depends on the conditions in Rantau Panjang. So far, there are no signs of a major flood, but as long as the monsoon is still ongoing, we can’t relax,” she said.