Hat yai: A Malaysian man has been left distraught after losing contact for a week with his wife and children, who were stranded by the floods in Hat Yai.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahrizal Kamarudin, 43, from Ampang, Selangor, said the last time he managed to contact his wife, Maimuna Asnan, 37, was on November 22. During their last conversation, she informed him that she was safely sheltering at Pani House homestay.

Shahrizal recounted that their family vacation, planned from November 21 to 24, took a turn when they arrived at 4 pm on Friday, November 21. They managed to visit Central Hat Yai and stopped for a meal before returning to the homestay. However, upon returning at 10 pm (Thai time), they noticed the water level along the road in front of the homestay rising. Despite assurances from the owner about the area's safety, they were warned that continued rain could require relocation.

In the early hours of the morning, at 3.30 am, the homestay owner woke them to move their car to higher ground. Shahrizal managed to park the car about 1.5 kilometres from the homestay. Unfortunately, he could not return due to rapidly rising water levels, but he was informed that his wife and their four children, aged between five and 15, remained safe.

Shahrizal explained that he lost contact because the electricity supply in the homestay area was cut off. On Thursday evening, November 27, he received information that they were safe but unreachable as the homestay area was only accessible by boat.

Since being stranded, Shahrizal has taken shelter at the Hatyairatprachasun School temporary relief centre. He expressed gratitude for the assistance he received, mentioning that a local gave him a ride to search for his family. The fire department has also been involved, planning to reach the homestay area once the floodwaters recede slightly.