KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 — Kelantan has formed a state-level task force to conduct an initial assessment on the floods that had inundated the north-eastern state and displaced tens of thousands since last week.

In a statement today, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the task force spearheaded by him will start gathering details of those affected by the disaster and other follow up work to ensure the welfare of the victims are taken care of.

Although floodwaters are now beginning to recede, Ahmad pointed out that many are still stranded.

He said that the task force will comprise of the state’s executive councillors, state financial officer, development office and heads of state and federal departments/

Ahmad added that the state’s backbenchers, federal lawmakers, Manek Urai assemblyman Mohd Fauzi Abdullah, Galas assemblyman Ab Aziz Yusof and several corporate heads will also sit of on the task force.

The state government has also initiated a donation drive for flood victims and those who would like to contribute are welcomed to deposited donations to Tabung Amanah Bencana Banjir Negeri Kelantan (BIMB 03018010080024).

As at 5pm today, the number of evacuees in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Johor, Perlis, Selangor, and Kedah stood at 101,033.

Reports have continued to pour in on overcrowded shelters; intermittent communications services; shortage of food and water supply; rescue efforts hampered by power outages; and roads that have been washed away by the floods.

A total of five deaths were recorded in Kelantan, three in Pahang and two in Terengganu to date, according to data from the National Security Council published on its website.