Flood victims PANIC as ATMs run out of cash

Water supply and electricity cuts in several flood-affected areas in worst-hit state Kelantan is raising anxieties among flood victims as supplies run low.

Residents in parts of Pasir Mas told Malaysiakini say they no longer have running water or power supply, while automated teller machines (ATMs) are out of cash.

Others say they their food ration has almost depleted with most major roads inaccessible even to rescue vehicles due to strong flood currents.

Astro Awani reported that some residents in Manek Urai and Dabong are forced to go hungry because they are completely cut off.

On Wednesday night, army rescue personnel evacuated 400 who had been stranded on the third floor of SK Manek Urai Lama in Kuala Krai for five days.

They were reached by two armed forces boats, which arrived with food and daily essentials.

Victims are trapped in 28 locations including hilltops, schools and mosques in Kuala Krai, with rescue workers trying to reach them, Kelantan Umno liaison chief Mustapa Mohamad told Bernama.

"There are many children and senior citizens at these unreachable locations. Our rescue team is trying their best to assist them," he said, adding that helicopters and boats are deployed.

Rahana Awang, 42, who was trapped in SK Manek Urai Lama said flood waters had reached the third floor where they were seeking refuge when rescue workers finally reached them.

"Last night alone, we saw eight houses swept away…our homes are gone," she told Bernama.

More than 90,000 have been evacuated due to floods in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis and Perak.

At least 30,000 were evacuated from homes in Kelantan, but Channel News Asia reported that many refuse to leave fearing looting.

Acting Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said a state of emergency will not be called as rescue efforts are already underway.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is on year-end vacation in Hawaii, but said he is keeping tabs on the situation via phone calls to Muhyiddin. - M'kini