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KUANTAN – An aerial survey of flood-hit Pahang has found the state to look much like an ocean of “teh tarik”.
The massive floods that have hit the state since last Sunday have submerged most of settlements, many with water rising above building roofs.
On an aerial survey with the Fire and Rescue Department's Air Unit, Bernama found several major towns covered in murky yellowish-brown water.
AirUnit pilot senior fire superintendent 1 Sofian Ahmed said the situation posed a challenge for his team to locate victims.
"We have to focus on the surroundings because victims will normally find high and safe places, like holding on to trees and poles, so as not to be swept away.
“Once we detect the victims, we will inform the control centre, which will then inform the team on the ground to pick up the victims by boat," he said.
Sofian, assisted by second pilot, fire superintendent Faridullahamin Mohd Amin and three flight crew, flew the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter over Temerloh, Lipis, Rompin and Maran.
Soffian said the Air Unit also conducts mercy flights to bring the sick trapped in floods to hospitals.
“We conduct at least five mercy flights daily depending on the weather conditions," he said.
Meanwhile, this Bernama reporter on board the flight could feel the difficulties and commitment of the rescue members in ensuring the safety of flood victims.
Temerloh remains the worst-affected district in the state, with 11,547 victims at flood relief centres there. – Bernama, January 9, 2021
