MALAYSIA RAMPS UP ASSISTANCE FOR CITIZENS STRANDED IN FLOOD-HIT SOUTHERN THAILAND

BANGKOK, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- As floods continue to inundate southern Thailand, leaving thousands of Malaysians stranded in Hat Yai and nearby areas, Malaysia has stepped up its emergency assistance in close coordination with Thai authorities.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, said the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate General in Songkhla are working closely with Thai authorities to ensure that assistance reaches Malaysians currently sheltering in their hotels.

He said reports received so far indicate that about 1,000 Malaysians remain stranded in Hat Yai, while another 500 are stuck in other parts of the southern provinces.

“We, together with the Thai authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that assistance — including food, medicine and other necessities — reaches the flood victims,” he told Bernama when contacted on Monday.

He urged Malaysians not to panic and to follow updates on rescue operations, so they can be evacuated to safer areas by local authorities when necessary.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, said that as of Sunday, an estimated 2,500 Malaysians have been evacuated from Hat Yai with assistance from local authorities.

“We have sent around 500 of them to Hat Yai Airport and the bus terminal, while the rest are either taking shelter at temporary evacuation centres or making their way back to Malaysia,” he said.

Ahmad Fahmi said water levels in Hat Yai have continued to rise following heavy rainfall since last night, but authorities are doing their utmost to deliver assistance.

He said local authorities reported that there are about 18 temporary evacuation centres operating in Hat Yai and Songkhla.

In other developments, Thai local media reported that Songkhla Governor Rattasat Chidchu had declared the province a disaster zone and ordered the urgent evacuation of all residents.

He instructed military units, civilian agencies, local administrations and rescue foundations to immediately move into affected areas to provide assistance, particularly to vulnerable groups.

-- BERNAMA