Malaysians Escape Hatyai Floods, Learn Hard Lesson On Checking Forecasts

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Floods in Hatyai, Thailand stranded a group of Malaysian travellers over the weekend, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of checking weather forecasts before going on holiday.

Amir Ibrahim, 40, who returned home safely today after being trapped there since Friday with five of his friends, described enduring two nights without power or running water as floodwaters worsened.

“We had to wade through the water just to buy drinking water and instant noodles from a nearby shop,” he told Bernama at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex.

The group left Hatyai early this morning after Thai firefighters allowed vehicles to pass through the affected area.

“We didn’t want to wait because we were told the floods could continue until Tuesday. We arranged a pickup and with the firefighters’ permission, managed to leave safely. We are grateful to have arrived at the border around 11 am,” he said.

His friend Nurfarah Amalina Abd Aziz, 33, said flooding at their accommodation was less severe than in other areas but they still faced water and electricity shortages.

“We had to ration water because only tank water was available. The electricity was cut off and we had to rely on streetlights at night,” she said.

Nurfarah said she was thankful not to be stranded for long but remains worried about fellow Malaysians affected by the floods in Hatyai.

-- BERNAMA