Flood victims plagued by stagnant waters

IPOH: Eighteen families in Kampung Hock Aun are waiting patiently for flood waters to recede.

The flash floods that hit their homes early Monday, have become stagnant due to the poor water outlets from the village.

Families are forced to put up at relief centers as the water level in the village was still knee-high.

Many tried to return to salvage their belongings but were put off by the creepy crawlers that have envaded their homes.

A resident, B. Subramaniam, 52 who has been living there for the last 18 years said he tried entering his house to take some necessity items but was afraid to do so when he saw two snakes.

"The water level is still knee high and water is not going anywhere," he said, adding that Subramaniam like many others are afraid to wade the murky waters.

The families from 18 houses consisting 29 adults and 43 children are currently still seeking shelter at a community hall in the area.

Another resident Neela Devi, 71 who has been living with three of her sons for the past 30 years said she cannot imagine the condition of her house which is located on lower land of the village.

"This place has many snakes and now with the floods, we don't know where they can be hiding.

"We are worried for our safety when we go back to clean up and we hope the authorities can help us," she said.

Ipoh Barat MP, M. Kula Segaran who was seen visiting the victims said he was dissapointed with the response when he contacted the Fire and Rescue department, to ask for assistance to pump out the stagnant water.

" I was told that the matter was not an emergency case and they would not be able to carry out the job," he said. He added, the villagers who are mostly labourers have no choice but to leave their families at the relief centre to go out to work because livelihood depended on a daily income.

Ipoh Town Council (MBI) have agreed to provide high pressure pumps to clean off mud and rubbish from the houses while the Drainage and Irrigation department will provide pumps to drain out the stagnant water into the river.

Meanwhile, Ipoh Fire station chief Supt P. Samasuvam said the villagers can contact the department if they feel their safety is at risk.

" If the residents have seen snakes there, they can call us - but we do not do washing up," he told The Malay Mail.