Floodwater Recedes In Hat Yai, Enabling Larger-Scale Evacuation Of Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The Foreign Ministry has stepped up coordinated evacuation efforts for Malaysians affected by the severe flooding in Hat Yai, moving more than 700 people to Bukit Kayu Hitam (BKH) on Wednesday after weather conditions improved

In a statement today, the ministry said floodwaters had receded significantly by late yesterday evening,  enabling evacuation operations to proceed more efficiently.

“Rescue operations coordinated by the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla successfully evacuated 517 Malaysians from 22 hotels and homestays to be brought to temporary shelters in preparation for evacuation. 

“Additionally, 27 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students and two lecturers crossed the border at Betong/Pengkalan Hulu,” read the statement. 

The ministry noted the evacuation effort is supported by the Royal Thai Army, Pasukan Bomba Sukarelawan (PBS), Sikh United and various volunteer groups, including at least 18 bus trips arranged to bring Malaysians safely out of the affected districts.

It estimates that currently fewer than 1,000 Malaysians remain in Hat Yai and said evacuation operations would continue until all the Malaysians affected have been safely assisted.

The ministry urged Malaysians who are currently in Hat Yai to register their presence immediately and provide accurate location information, including GPS coordinates, to facilitate targeted rescue operations.

Family members in Malaysia who believe their relatives may still be stranded in Hat Yai to urgently contact the Operations Room, particularly in cases involving senior citizens, those with medical conditions or individuals who may have difficulty communicating.For consular assistance, Malaysians may contact the Foreign Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya at +603-8887 4570 or via e-mail at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok can be reached at +66-87-028-4659 or +66-2340-5721, while e-mails may be directed to mwbangkok@kln.gov.my.

Furthermore, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla is contactable at +(6674) 316274 or +(6681) 9901930, with additional lines available at +(6674) 324004 and 312353. E-mails may be sent to mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.

The ministry said it will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as necessary.

-- BERNAMA