A TOTAL of 75 Malaysian students affected by the floods in Queensland, Australia, have been evacuated by the local authorities to a temporary shelter.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra) said meanwhile, another 35 Malaysian students are currently waiting to be relocated.

“Wisma Putra through the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra, Australia, continues to closely monitor the situation of Malaysians in Queensland following the floods in the Australian territory.

“To date, about 200 Malaysians have been identified as affected by the occurrence of the flood,” it said in a statement yesterday.

According to Wisma Putra, the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra is working closely with the Queensland local authorities, the representatives of the Malaysian community in Brisbane and the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia to ensure the welfare of Malaysians are protected.

Based on a report by Queensland authorities, the rains started on Feb 25 and are expected to continue for another three to five days.

Among the affected areas are Brisbane City, Bulimba, Hamilton, Milton, New Farm, Newstead, Norman Park, Oxley, Rocklea, South Brisbane, St Lucia, Teneriffe, Toowong, West End, Windsor and Yeronga.

So far, seven deaths have been recorded but none involving Malaysians.

Wisma Putra reminded all Malaysians in the areas affected by the flood to prioritise their safety and comply with all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Malaysians who are affected and want to make reports, complaints or applications for consular assistance may contact the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra by phone at +61261 200 300/310, +61416 334 901 or email to mwcanberra@kln.gov.my.

— by S BIRRUNTHA