Cover image via Harian Metro
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An elderly woman drowned early this morning, 26 November, after the car she was travelling in with her daughter was swept away by strong floodwaters in Kampung Bendang Nyior, Tanah Merah, Kelantan
Her daughter survived.
The victim, 70-year-old Siti Gayah Zakaria, and her 48-year-old daughter, Shamila Suzie Ahmad Basharuddin, were on their way to Kampung Batu 7 to drop Siti Gayah off at a relative's house, concerned that her home in Kampung Manal 2 might be flooded.
Shamila said that when they reached the area, their Proton Saga FLX entered floodwater covering the road. Only then did they realise the current was stronger than expected, according to Harian Metro.
"It was dark, and we were depending only on the car lights. The water flowing across the road was very strong, causing the car to spin and drag along," she said.
Their car became stuck in a culvert
In panic, Shamila tried to help her mother climb onto the bonnet, but the current was too strong. Both clung to the car window and to each other.
"At the same time, I was shouting for help, but no one passed by," she said.
"After a while, we became exhausted, and Ma told me her leg had cramped and begged me not to leave her. But our hands suddenly slipped, and Ma was swept away."
Shamila said she screamed as she watched her mother being carried off by the current. Still clinging to the car, she continued shouting for help until a passerby spotted her.
Tanah Merah Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Zulkifli Osman said they received an emergency call at 4.13am and sent six personnel to the scene
"When we arrived, the car was stuck in a culvert with one survivor, while the other woman was missing. Search efforts were carried out, and the woman was found at 7.49am not far from the scene.
"She was handed over to the police and taken to Hospital Tanah Merah for further action," he said.
