Hatyai: Floods in Hatyai, Thailand stranded a group of Malaysian travellers over the weekend, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of checking weather forecasts before going on holiday. Amir Ibrahim, 40, who returned home safely today after being trapped there since Friday with five of his friends, described enduring two nights without power or running water as floodwaters worsened.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Ibrahim shared his experience of having to navigate through floodwaters to purchase basic necessities like drinking water and instant noodles from a nearby shop. This arduous task was one of many challenges the group faced during their unexpected ordeal. The group managed to leave Hatyai early this morning after receiving permission from Thai firefighters to pass through the affected area.

“We didn’t want to wait because we were told the floods could continue until Tuesday. We arranged a pickup and with the firefighters’ permission, managed to leave safely. We are grateful to have arrived at the border around 11 am,” Amir said, reflecting on the urgency of their departure.

His friend, Nurfarah Amalina Abd Aziz, 33, recounted that while their accommodation was not as severely impacted as other areas, they still faced significant shortages of water and electricity. “We had to ration water because only tank water was available. The electricity was cut off and we had to rely on streetlights at night,” she explained.

Despite their safe return, Nurfarah expressed concern for other Malaysians still affected by the floods in Hatyai, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those in the region.