Malaysia

No one else will come: netizens step up as flood victims seek help online

People send, respond to tweets calling for aid and rescue

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 19 Dec 2021 2:22PM

No one else will come: netizens step up as flood victims seek help online
With crucial routes flooded or destroyed by the non-stop rain, many have been stuck on highways and in their homes as water levels rose last night, blocking even emergency services from conducting rescue operations. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, December 19, 2021

by Arjun Mohanakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR – The Klang Valley and various states in Malaysia have been brought to their knees by the floods, but everyday Malaysians and emergency services are getting the nation back on its feet again.

With crucial routes flooded or destroyed by the non-stop rain, many were stuck on highways and in their homes as water levels rose last night, blocking even emergency services from conducting rescue operations.

This caused many flood victims to turn to social media for urgent help.

Some were family members seeking assistance for loved ones who were either missing or stranded.

One netizen urged to keep an eye out for her mother’s vehicle who was stuck on the roads due to the floods and was not responding to calls at midnight.

“HELP! Anyone, please be on the lookout for car WNM331 Proton Waja. My mom was supposed to be back home in Seksyen 22 but got stuck in Seksyen 24.

“I'm very worried for her since there are updates that the water levels are rising and she is not picking up her phone,” @Syfnaz tweeted at 12am today.

Fortunately, around 10 hours ago, the same user tweeted that her mother was safe.

Her mother had merely switched her phone off to conserve battery, and was stuck due to low fuel.

Another netizen, @TehminaKaoosji, used Twitter to blast an SOS for a couple stranded at Pangsapuri Damai Condo in Shah Alam. It is understood the woman is four months pregnant.

Meanwhile, @Benneny tweeted about his younger brother and sister-in-law reportedly stuck in Meru, Klang.

Photos uploaded showed waters rising to knee level, with several pet cats forced to take refuge on a bed.

Fortunately, the latest update revealed that water levels did not continue rising and neighbours provided assistance.

But it was not only desperate flood victims that took to social media to seek help, as Klang MP Charles Santiago sought from the public urgent donations such as mineral water, dry foods, masks, and diapers, among other things.

He said his office has prepared food enough for 3,000 people to be distributed in nine areas, but is not able to serve all localities due to lack of manpower and logistics.

“Our staff and volunteers are the victims of flooding too. As such, we are also facing a shortage of manpower to distribute food and water. 

“Therefore, we need more volunteers for food distribution and rescue work. We also need more 4WD and boats to reach the victims.

“My office is setting up a fundraising campaign to provide urgent food, transport, and other urgent relief support for the thousands who are stranded,” Santiago tweeted today.

Fortunately, for the stranded victims who took to social media for help, netizens themselves have voluntarily mobilised and organised assistance, with some compiling lists of available contact details for volunteer rescuers on their social media accounts.

One such netizen is Twitter user @WinDeFantastico, who offered his four-wheel-drive vehicles and himself to assist victims.

“If you guys know anyone that is affected by the floods and needs help carrying the stuff, roger me (let me know).

“I have a few 4WDs and I will bear the costs,” @WinDeFantastico tweeted at 6.30pm yesterday.

Another Twitter user, @awl1yuh, offered her number and vehicle on social media as she was helping flood victims reach shelters or homes in Shah Alam.

In her post, she uploaded a video of a family walking the streets as they escaped the floods, offering them a ride.

Meanwhile, youth Sikh group Sikh Inside are providing food to victims in the Klang, Shah Alam, Subang, and Petaling Jaya areas.

“Our helpline is up and running. Food preparations are ongoing. Currently cooking for the first 5,000 pax. The second batch will begin shortly,” @SikhInside tweeted.

Similarly, Good Samaritan businessmen have also opened their commercial premises for shelter and food.

For instance, the operator of Al-Ali Nasi Kandar in Seksyen U8, Shah Alam has opened the restaurant for victims.

“If there is anyone in need of food or in hunger, please head to Al-Ali Nasi Kandar, U8.

“My dad has arranged free food for the victims and families that are in hunger,” @mohamed_azman7 tweeted.

Meanwhile, for those who were stranded in Taman Sri Muda Shah Alam, netizens took to social media to point out where they could seek temporary shelter.

They pointed out that SJK (T) Ladang Emerald and Giant Kemuning Utama were available to victims.

As of 8am today, 6,242 victims have been placed in 80 temporary evacuation centres in Klang, Kuala Langat, Petaling, Sepang, Kuala Lumpur, and Hulu Langat according to the Selangor Menteri Besar’s Office.

Yesterday, during a late-night press conference, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told victims not to worry, as rescue machinery have been mobilised to help those who are trapped.

It is believed that the continuous rain that caused the floods is due to Tropical Depression 29, a rapidly rotating storm system commonly referred to as a tropical cyclone that sustains winds between 50km/h and 60km/h. – The Vibes, December 19, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 3w

PJ MP slammed for ‘media statements without solutions’

Malaysia / 3w

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in several locations around the Klang Valley (video)

Malaysia / 4w

Jalan Kuchai Lama hit by floods again after four years (video)

Malaysia / 6mth

Hatyai floods: Over 1,000 Malaysian vehicles stranded, submerged in hotel underground parking

Malaysia / 6mth

1,248 Malaysians in Southern Thailand have been rescued as of 4pm

Malaysia / 6mth

Hatyai floods: At least another 10 days for waters to recede, says expert

Spotlight

Business

Tycoon Vincent Tan trims BCorp stake further in RM115m share sale

Malaysia

UMNO’s solo gamble in Johor: A show of strength or risky miscalculation?

By The Vibes Says

Malaysia

Nik Aziz’s grandson allegedly slapped by senator: Father ready to take case to court

Malaysia

Lorry driver jailed a day, fined for making obscene gestures, dangerous driving (video)

Malaysia

PKR leader defends MyKhas access suspension for PJ, Subang MPs, cites ‘political choices’

Opinion

Social media set to dominate Johor polls as election kingmaker

Malaysia

Man charged in Butterworth parang attack case that left victim fearing permanent disability

Malaysia

Teen mothers must return to school, says Fadhlina as education remains priority

Malaysia

Penang water tariffs to increase from July 1 after year-long deferment

You may be interested

Malaysia

Woman jailed over abduction, extortion and forced nudity case as three admit guilt

Malaysia

Care home worker jailed 36 years and caned for sexual offences against five boys

Malaysia

Ex-employee held over RM83,000 theft of phones, apple watches and cash

Malaysia

Police capture wanted organised crime suspect in cross-border operation with India and Thailand

Malaysia

Headless teen tragedy: VW driver charged with dangerous driving causing death

Malaysia

Former head of a ministry's corporate communications unit acquitted of bribery charge

Malaysia

King Sultan Ibrahim urges new MACC chief to uphold highest integrity in fight against corruption

Malaysia

Teenager who drove recklessly, causing death remanded for further investigation