FLOOD VICTIM CLINGS TO CLOTHING RACK AS WATER RISES TO NECK LEVEL

TAIPING, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- In a desperate attempt to save himself and his family during the floods here last night, a man clung to a clothes drying rack while placing his children on the lid of an ice box to keep them afloat.

Suhaziman Mohd Suhaimi, 35, said he had no other choice as the water rose rapidly, reaching neck level while he waited for help to arrive.

The resident of Taman Larah Damai recounted that during the incident, he, his wife and their two daughters — aged five years and four months — were trapped in their house compound for nearly three hours before being rescued by authorities.

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“The children were crying in fear as the situation became chaotic when the water level rose so high.

“It started raining heavily around 4 pm and continued until 7 pm. The water surged into the house in less than five minutes, reaching up to my neck,” he told Bernama when met at his home today.

A video showing Suhaziman clinging to the rack while holding the ice box lid with his children on it in the flooded house compound has since gone viral on social media.

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Taman Larah Damai is among several areas affected by floods in the Larut Matang Selama (LMS) and Manjung districts in Perak, forcing over 2,000 residents to evacuate to 22 relief centres (PPS).

Suhaziman, who works at Taiping Hospital, said he was unable to save any belongings,  including household items, electrical appliances, important documents, his car and motorcycle, due to the sudden and severe flash flood.

He added that it was the worst flood he had experienced since moving to the area three years ago.

“Although we lost everything, I am grateful my family is safe,” he said.

Meanwhile, another resident, Mohamad Hailzandan Zakaria, 49, said he and his wife were not at home when the flood hit. Upon returning, they found their house severely damaged.

“Most of our furniture, electrical appliances, and household items were destroyed and had to be thrown away. Two motorcycles were also damaged,” said Mohamad Hailzandan, who has lived in the area for two years.

As of 8 am today, 2,171 residents from 759 families have been evacuated to 22 PPS in the LMS and Manjung districts after continuous heavy rain since yesterday morning caused widespread flooding.

Among the affected areas in LMS are Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Salak Baru, Kampung Sungai Lubok, Kampung Masjid, Taman Kota Wira, Taman Kemunting Tiara, Taman Lara Aman, Taman Lara Damai dan Kampung Changkat Larah, Taman Kaya and Taman Damai.

-- BERNAMA