JOHOR BARU - An hour-long downpour caused flash floods in several areas around the city, wreaking havoc.
At the height of the downpour which started at about 3.30pm, two women were trapped inside their car along Jalan Tebrau.
Among the areas affected were Kg Hajah Hasnah, Kampung Ben­dahara, Jalan Kijang near KSL Mall and Kg Mohd Amin.
The retaining wall of an old folks' home in the city collapsed, forcing the evacuation of its residents.
Rising flood waters also trapped several vehicles which were abandoned along some of the roads.
Johor Baru Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Zaid Iskandar Mohd Nor said at least 12 personnel were dispatched to Jalan Tebrau after they received a call about the trapped women at 4pm.
"We managed to push their car to safety and rescued the women," he said, adding that the victims were in their 70s and 80s.
Taxi driver P. Guna said the water rose quickly near KSL Mall, trapping several vehicles.
"Everything happened quickly. Luckily, people managed to escape in time.
"In some areas, the flood water was up to their waist," he said.