PETALING JAYA: As the floods continue to worsen in Kelantan, the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) braved through storms, heavy rain and strong water currents to aid victims there.
Those present to aid flood victims in Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan since Nov 29 hailed from the state CRSM branch and also the Melaka Elite CRSM Team.
According to Kelantan CRSM chief Chan Rui Yih, the efforts to aid victims have given his team a new experience in disaster management.
“This experience brought the realisation of the unpredictability of disasters and the urgency required to keep steady and take swift action. Any delays could lead to even more serious consequences,” added Chan.
Melaka Elite Team CRSM chief Soo Wee Chuan also said that volunteers did not bring their mobile phones with them in heavily flooded areas.
“To make it easier for us, we relied on only walkie-talkies for communication, but the signal was very poor, which caused some difficulties,” said Soo.
Soo also said volunteers endured over six hours in the disaster area under the heavy rain.
“Eventually, they were able to call for help from the Fire and Rescue Department via walkie-talkie and were rescued around 2am,” said Soo.
Meanwhile, CRSM in a statement on Sunday (Dec 1) also said that water levels in Pengkalan Kubor have risen rapidly, causing residents to have limited time to evacuate.
“CRSM immediately took action to ensure everyone’s safety. We have worked tirelessly to assist in evacuating the victims, sending some to evacuation centres while seriously ill or bedridden individuals have been sent to hospitals.
“There was a patient who had recently undergone abdominal surgery and was unable to move easily. This delayed the evacuation process slightly,” added CRSM.
CRSM also reminded all disaster relief volunteers to prioritise their own safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“CRSM will continue to monitor the situation and work with local authorities to support relief efforts, providing comprehensive assistance to the affected communities,” added CRSM.
