BEAUFORT, May 20 — The number of flood victims in the Beaufort district rose this morning, with 258 people from 89 households recorded as of 8am today.

The State Disaster Management Committee secretariat said in a statement that the latest figure represents an increase from 66 victims across 24 households recorded at 8pm last night.

It said all the victims have been evacuated to the Selagon Permanent Evacuation Centre, which was opened at 3pm yesterday.

Those taking shelter at the centre include 86 men and 51 women among adults and senior citizens, as well as 121 children and infants, according to the statement.

“The number of villages affected by the natural disaster had increased to 10 this morning, compared with only three reported last night,” it said, adding that no fatalities or residents being trapped outside evacuation areas have been reported. — Bernama