Seventy-nine people from several villages in Nibong Tebal were evacuated to a relief centre at the Jawi Multipurpose Hall since last night after their villages were hit by flood.

The evacuees, comprising 20 families, are from kampung Sungai Baung, Lima, Sethu, Titi Hitam, Pengkalan, Masjid Baru, Permatang Ara, Pulau, Taman Sungai Duri Permai and Taman Sungai Duri Indah.

A spokesperson at the Penang Social Welfare Department said the evacuees, including 25 children, were evacuated when flood water began entering their houses, some up to almost 2 metres.

However , a few of them began returning home after the flood water receeded, leaving 58 people, from 15 families, still at the relief centre as at noon today.

Meanwhile, Penang Fire and Rescue Department commander of operations, Ku Mohd Yazid Ku Abdullah said three boats were used to evacuate the affected residents from their flooded homes.

Several road links were also cut-off following heavy rain yesterday, but some of the road were now open as the water had receeded, he said.

-- BERNAMA