In a heart-wrenching turn of events, more than 13,000 residents in Johor, Malaysia, have been forced to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding just days before the much-anticipated Hari Raya celebrations.

As of March 22, the Johor Disaster Management Committee reported that a total of 95 relief centers are operational across six districts affected by the floods.

The numbers are staggering: 13,089 individuals from 3,749 families have sought refuge in these centers, with Johor Bahru bearing the brunt of the disaster as over 5,400 people are displaced. Other severely affected areas include Kluang, Pontian, Kota Tinggi, Kulai, and Batu Pahat.

With nine river monitoring stations indicating dangerously high water levels in areas like Sungai Lenik and Sungai Kahang, the situation remains critical.

Continuous heavy rainfall since March 19 initiated massive flooding, exacerbating traffic congestion and leading to the closure of key roads, particularly Jalan Lukut Cina and Jalan Mawai Lama in Kota Tinggi.

Johor’s Menteri Besar, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, expressed deep concern for the flood victims, particularly as the timing of this disaster has overshadowed the festive season of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“The state government is committed to ensuring that no one is neglected during these trying times,” he reassured the public.

Eyewitness accounts reveal the devastating impact of the floods.

Ms. Nordiana Moidoo, 39, faced her worst nightmare as the floodwaters rose higher than ever before in Kampung Pasir Tebrau.

She described the shock of seeing her home submerged, with only the roof visible above the water.

“I managed to save only my car and one motorcycle. Everything else inside the house is gone,” she lamented, revealing losses estimated at RM10,000 ($3,010).

The emotional toll is palpable among flood victims, with many fearing their upcoming Hari Raya celebrations will be marred by tragedy.

Factory worker Jefri Kamarulzaman, 43, shared his anguish as he watched his wife's tailoring business suffer significant damage due to the flooding.

“I hope our clients understand our situation,” he stated, reflecting the broader anxieties of families facing losses of cherished belongings and livelihoods.

In an unprecedented situation, SK Kangkar Tebrau's teacher, Siti Aishah Baharudin, revealed that the flooding has blocked access to her school entirely.

“This is the first time I've seen my school cut off like this,” she said, wishing for resilience among affected families.

The academic disruption extends beyond one school, affecting 20 institutions in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas, with several converting into temporary relief centers.

As the community grapples with this disaster, the commitment to recovery and solidarity remains strong.

As the floodwaters recede and the community begins to rebuild, one thing is certain: the spirit of Ramadan and Hari Raya will endure, reminding these resilient families of hope amid adversity.

Stay tuned for updates as recovery efforts ramp up in the wake of this unexpected catastrophe.