Residents recount harrowing escapes as flash floods hit Kg Melayu Subang

 

Residents wading through floodwaters in Kampung Melayu Subang. - Photo: Bernama

SUBANG: A 46-year-old man had to carry his elderly parents on his back to safety after floodwaters rose rapidly during flash floods in Kampung Melayu Subang here Monday (Nov 2).

Zulkarnain Hashim said he faced tense moments when the water surged quickly, forcing him to carry his 90-year-old mother and 89-year-old father to higher ground.

He said there was a heavy downpour from 2pm to 4pm, before water levels rose abruptly to waist level by about 5pm.

"It was complete chaos when the water rose so quickly. I had to carry both my mother and father to get them to safety.

"This is not the first time. The flood problem has persisted since 1995, and this year alone our area has been flooded three times," he told Bernama during a survey of the affected area Monday.

Zulkarnain also claimed the neighbourhood flood warning siren failed to sound during the incident, raising questions about the effectiveness of the early warning system.

In the same incident, a young mother faced an anxious ordeal evacuating her two children, including a four-month-old baby boy, as floodwaters began entering their home.

Nur Atilia Elina Rosli, 24, said her husband, Ahmad Nawi Yaman, 27, was away at work when the water began rising at about 3.20pm, just as their baby woke from a nap.

She acted swiftly to move the baby and their three-year-old child out of the house.

"It was chaotic because I have a baby. When we left, the water was already knee-deep. I had to wade through the water carrying my children to reach a house on higher ground.

"This is the worst flood we have experienced so far. The water reached chest level," she said when met at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at Dewan Siantan, Kampung Melayu Subang.

Earlier, three victims, including a disabled elderly man and an infant, were evacuated to the relief centre following the afternoon deluge.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department received an emergency call at 5.18 pm, and a fire engine from the Bukit Jelutong Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene at 5.33 pm.

He said the flash flood affected about 92 houses across four roads, namely Lorong Merbau (30 houses), Jalan Cengal (seven), Jalan Resak (five), and Jalan Jati (50). - Bernama