This is a fight Munzir Mustapha was not prepared for. Having battled floods in his home in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, Selangor in the past, he describes yesterday’s deluge as the “worst ever”.
It’s been over 24 hours, yet water continues to rise at the home of the martial arts instructor and owner of Lekir Fitness & Mixed Martial Arts Academy. He stays with his wife and five children – aged between one and nine.
Thousands in several states have been displaced by the torrential rain over the past two days. In a press conference late last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob admitted that the situation was “chaotic in Selangor”, as the water rose “almost suddenly”.
Several locations in Kuala Lumpur were also inundated. Police were also gearing up for any eventualities following an emergency discharge of water from the Klang Gates dam in Hulu Klang, after the water level breached the danger mark.
Munzir documented his long fight against the rising waters in a series of postings on Facebook, as he waits for help.
Yesterday
12.05am – Camping with water in the home today. Hopefully, the rain will stop, and everything will be ok quickly. Stay safe, everyone.
7.37pm – Worst ever. #prayforShahAlam
Today
1.22am – Thanks to those who reached out. Water continues to rise. If I count, based on the steps of my staircase, it rises to five more steps before reaching the top.
Tried escaping but the water was way over our heads. It’s difficult to carry the kids in such conditions. We’ve tried contacting the helplines, but they were all engaged.
We’ve got our emergency supplies, float jackets and lifebuoy ready. We just hope help will quickly arrive. We tried getting the kids to go through the water, but they are not confident enough in such a situation. So, we remain at the upper level of our home.
Most of our neighbours are in the attic. Don’t worry about me, I’m still cool, even though my head is aching, wondering how many things of ours have been destroyed, including my car, due to the floods.
I hope the rain will quickly stop and waters will recede.
6.52am – Water continues to rise. Just a few more steps before it reaches the upper level. No sign of rescue boats. I was informed only six boats entered our area. Not sure how long they will take to reach our side. I hope the neighbours are all okay. It’s heart-breaking to hear shouts for help but we are equally helpless.
8.53am – Red alert S.O.S. We need a rescue boat, diapers … pray for the great sun today. Allahu.
Images by Munzir Mustapha.
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