Flood victims turn cars into ‘homes’

The flood situation in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Some flood victims have to seek shelter in their cars parked on higher ground. – Facebook pic, December 27, 2014.

The floodwaters are rising around you and you are trapped in your car. You have no money and the ATMs are not working because of the floods, so you cannot check into a hotel.

What would you do?

Siti Mariah Ab Majid, 28, an employee of a tour agency, did the only sensible thing she could – turn her car into her home. Wary of the rising floodwaters, she parked where she thought was a safe place – the parking lot of the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian.

Siti Mariah found out that she was not alone. She had three friends for company, all in their own cars.

"We didn't have a choice. We ran out of money and the bank ATMs were not functioning. The hotels were also full," she said.

She said she built up her courage despite the fear of facing the flood disaster alone.

"Sometimes, I cried," said Siti Mariah, who is from Pulau Chondong, near Machang.

She said she and her friends have not had a bath for four days and only washed their faces with mineral water.

"Up to now, several food outlets had been open but I am worried now because the operators said they will close up this afternoon. If that happens, I don't know where I will find my next meal," she said.

To add to her misery, Siti Mariah lost her wallet and MyKad two days ago when she spent the night in a surau of a supermarket.

"Luckily, a friend helped me out. But I am anxious about my parents' safety. I understand they are now at the flood relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pangkal Nering, Pulai Chondong.”

Another person who is now living out of a car is civil servant Shira Che Zakaria, 26.

"I am aware of the difficulties the authorities face but we have run out of money to buy food and drink. I also pray for the safety of all flood victims."

Shira said there was no sign of the floods here letting up soon, and she and her friends planned to move elsewhere where they could find shelter and food. – Bernama