FLOODS can cause devastation, turning vibrant businesses into scenes of disaster.
When a houseboat restaurant in Kelantan was swept away by strong currents, it highlighted the severe impact of the flooding.
But is it true that this floating eatery was carried off by the floodwaters?
Verdict:
TRUE
The flooding situation affecting the country, particularly in Kelantan, has become increasingly concerning as more residents are forced to evacuate.
A viral incident involved a houseboat restaurant in the state being swept away by strong currents and drifting towards the sea.
The restaurant, known as JL Fara Houseboat, located in Kota Baru, Kelantan, was carried by the swift waters, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly RM1.2mil.
According to the owner, identified as Fara Sharina, the houseboat was swept away by the floodwaters before being successfully rescued 500 metres from the sea.
Fara recounted that her husband bravely jumped into the floodwaters to save the restaurant despite being advised against it by officers from the Civil Defence Force.
"When the Civil Defence Force said not to jump, he jumped anyway.
"He went in alone while the water was flowing strongly.
"Fortunately, an uncle came by boat to rescue him," Fara told the Morning Morning Suria segment on Suria FM on Thursday (Nov 28).
Fara explained that the incident was triggered by a large tree crashing onto the houseboat, causing pressure on the raft supporting the restaurant, which then submerged.
"The fast and strong water, along with a rope that pulled it forward, caused it to move.
When three other ropes snapped, it just went," she explained.
The flood disaster poses a threat to economic activities in the affected area, potentially impacting the wages of workers at Fara's restaurant.
However, Fara assured that her staff's salaries remain unaffected, as they have shown commitment by helping to save the houseboat.
"There are about 15 staff members. Even though they are not working now, their salaries are still being paid.
"My staff have been very helpful; they cut down trees on the night of the incident, and some stayed up all night to save raw materials," she said.
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