HULU TERENGGANU: Firefighters will use a helicopter to evacuate 18 flood victims including infants and the elderly after their homes in Kampung Lubok Pait, here were flooded this morning.
Kuala Berang Fire and Rescue Station chief Hanafi Mohd said they had to use a helicopter after the road to the village was cut off by floodwaters.
"We had to use air services as the land route was flooded and impassable for all vehicles.
"Until now, we are still waiting for a response from the Wakaf Tapai Fire and Rescue Academy and it is understood that the helicopter is already there" he said when contacted.
Hanafi, who was also trapped with several other Fire and Rescue Personnel, said they went to the village at about 6am today to rescue the villagers.
"However, as soon as we arrived at the location, the water rose fast causing the road to the village to be flooded. The quick rise of water, up to two metres, caused us to be trapped at the scene," he said.
Heavy rains continued since last night causing the flood situation in the district to worsen when several villages were flooded and contact was cut-off.
The worsening situation caused residents to scamper to safety to higher locations such as the roof of their homes and nearby hills before they were rescued.
The continuous heavy rain also resulted in two Flood Evacuation Centres at Kampung Lubuk Perik and Kampung Peneh Mosque, here to be flooded.