RESCUE has come to flood victims stuck on the rooftops of their homes in Taman Sri Nanding, says Kampung Dusun Nanding Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Mohd Yusof Abdul Manan.
Taman Sri Nanding, whose residents' plight were highlighted after a video of their predicament went viral were included under this MPKK.
"Rescue operations by the Fire and Rescue and Civil Defence departments began at 9am this morning (Dec 19).
"The mission had to be carried out in stages as there were many victims. On the rooftop of one surau, there were about 100 people.
"There are some 1,000 houses in Taman Sri Nanding and atop some 10 houses there are about 10 to 15 victims each.
"As the rescue teams only have two boats at their disposal for now, we will need time to get everybody to safety," said Mohd Yusof.
He estimated that some 200 victims, many of them the elderly, women and children, were caught off guard when water levels rose rapidly between 8pm to 10pm during the downpour last night.
"We had received and sent out alerts through the residents’ social media groups but many of the victims were of the impression that the flood would eventually subside as this area has experienced flooding many times in the past.
"From their experience flood levels usually don’t go over a metre high. This time, it was different and many had to scramble for safety on rooftops," said Mohd Yusof.
He had not received any reports of deaths due to the flooding so far but he knows many who have lost all their belongings.
Some 20 of those who were stuck on rooftops are being sent to Mohd Yusof’s home as he has a big compound.
"We have a rescue centre in SRK (Agama) Nanding but there are already 1000 people there. So it’s too full.
"So the victims will be sent to my house where they will receive food and shelter for the time being," he said.
He has also received news from the Welfare Department that food aid would be sent but the access roads to his area are still blocked by flood water, mud and debris.
Also providing aid to the victims in this area are members of the Red Crescent Society.
