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KUANTAN: An aerial survey of the flood-affected Pahang found the state as an ocean of ‘teh tarik’. (pix)
The massive floods that hit the state since last Sunday have submerged most settlements with water rising above the roofs of buildings.
Bernama, together with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department Air Unit, conducted an aerial survey of the flood situation and found the landscape of several major cities in the state covered in cloudy yellowish-brown water.
A pilot from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department Air Unit, Senior Fire Superintendent 1 Sofian Ahmed @ Ibrahim, said the situation presented a challenge for his team in locating victims affected by the floods.
“We have to focus on the surroundings because the victims will usually find a high and safe place, such as holding onto trees and poles to avoid being dragged.
“Once we detect the victims, we will inform the control center who will then inform the team on the ground to pick up the victims by boat,” he said.
Sofian, assisted by the second pilot, fire superintendent Faridullahamin Mohd Amin and three flight crew members, flew the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter with a Bernama reporter on board over Temerloh, Lipis, Rompin and Maran to get an aerial view of the situation of floods there.
According to Soffian, the Air Unit of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department also conducts merciful flights to take the sick caught in the floods to hospital.
“We make at least five merciful flights a day depending on weather conditions,” he added.
Meanwhile, this Bernama reporter who was on board the flight, could feel the difficulties and the commitment of the rescuers to guarantee the safety of those affected by the floods.
As of last night, there were still 26,075 people in 284 flood evacuation centers in nine districts, with Temerloh being the hardest hit. -Called
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