Floods: Rescuers face difficulties as some refuse to leave homes

 

SHAH ALAM: Rescuers faced some difficulties during evacuation works because some residents refused to leave their homes, says Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry minister, when met at the Sri Maju flood command point here, said that he had instructed fire and rescue teams deployed on rescue works to bring along food to give to those who refused to leave their homes.

“Some have been stranded for up to 12 hours without food. There are some who do not want to go to the evacuation centres because they see that the rain had subsided and that their second floor was still livable so they just want food

“Because of this, rescuers need to take note of this and address it,” he said.

Around 41 boats from the authorities have been stationed at Sri Maju, with more from volunteers and NGOs.

“There’s nothing much we can do if they don’t want to leave because the rain has stopped,” he added.

He also added that information received by one department should be shared to others.

“For my side, I’m asking places that have not been affected by the floods to assist. We will see areas that are hit severely, those from places that have not been hit bad will be sent to assist,” he said.

On the possibility of a second flood, he said that the Fire and Rescue Department was in a state of constant readiness. - Star