Hat yai: A man has expressed his gratitude after his wife and children were found safe after a week of being unreachable due to recent flooding in Hat Yai, Thailand. Shahrizal Kamarudin, 43, from Ampang, Selangor, said he felt immense relief when he finally reunited with his wife, Maimuna Asnan, 37, and their four children, aged between five and 15, at 10.30 am yesterday (9.30 am Thai time).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahrizal recounted his efforts to locate his family after they had left the temporary relief centre at Hatyairatprachasun School. On Thursday, he sought assistance from volunteer firefighters at Central Hatyai, who attempted to help him reach his family's homestay using a four-wheel-drive vehicle. However, the unsafe roads forced them to turn back, despite being close to their destination.
Shahrizal explained that a rescuer later inquired about the location of his wife. Within half an hour, the rescuer reported back, stating that the area was heavily affected, and the homestay was empty, heightening his anxiety. Shortly afterward, Shahrizal received a video showing his wife and children being rescued, taking turns on motorcycles to reach safety and eventually arriving at a hotel.
Upon reuniting with his family, Shahrizal noticed that his wife appeared a little down, but his children remained cheerful and even laughed at his unchanged attire. He expressed relief that they were unharmed, though they were a bit hungry before rescuers brought them to a nearby shop for food.
Shahrizal shared the anxiety he felt during the period of lost contact, especially upon learning that floodwaters had reached the upper levels of their homestay. He mentioned that he, his family, and a friend were attending to his car in Danok, which was also impacted by the flood, and they planned to return to Ampang after addressing the situation.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Shahrizal remarked that this was their first family holiday to the area, which turned into an unexpected flood experience. He viewed it as a test of faith and accepted it with patience, noting that it would be an unforgettable experience for the family.