Malaysian volunteer rescue teams are struggling to get into Hatyai and Songkhla after Thailand issued a red alert for severe flooding in the country’s southern regions.
The floods have worsened, with water levels reaching up to 1.5 meters, making it difficult for volunteers to rescue over 1,000 Malaysian tourists still trapped in the affected areas, according to Harian Metro.
“Stranded Malaysians see us as their only hope”
Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire Brigade chairman, Raymond Leong, later went live in an emotional broadcast, tearfully urging the Malaysian Government to quickly activate official rescue efforts.
Raymond Leong breaking down in tears during his live broadcast
According to Guang Ming Daily, he pleaded with the government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step in and strengthen cross-border coordination to speed up rescue operations.
“Many of those stranded see us as their only hope. The pressure is overwhelming, you won’t understand it unless you’re a rescuer facing danger on the ground,” Raymond said.
Raymond added that rising floodwaters made search and rescue efforts extremely difficult and dangerous. Many people trapped in their homes had lost contact with the outside world after their phones ran out of battery.
“We fear that not all Malaysians can be saved”
Meanwhile, China Press reported that the team is under immense stress as they fear not all stranded Malaysians in Hatyai can be rescued in time.
“One of the people asking for help was a pregnant woman who’s due in just three weeks. But because we couldn’t reach her, we had no idea where she or her family were,” he said.
Raymond also shared that his team faced constant challenges, including rescue boats capsizing, lorry engines breaking down, and phones malfunctioning.
“Those trapped urgently need food, medical help, and evacuation. Thai rescue teams have been helping too, but each trip can only save a small number of people because of the strong currents, bad weather, and road closures.”
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