BESUT: A total of 196 victims were forced to evacuate in Kampung Pengkalan Atap here after it was hit with a mini “tsunami”. The waves caused the homes to be inundated by knee-deep waters as villagers ran for their lives.
More than 10 homes were badly damaged during the incident on Sunday night.
Bunga Mamat, 80, was watching TV with her grandchildren when she heard a loud banging sound against the side of her home at about 8pm.
“When I looked outside, I saw huge waves crashing into my home and other houses as well.
“I quickly alerted my family members to escape as I feared for our lives,” she said.
She added that it was the first time such an incident had occurred at the beachfront village.
Wan Asri Wan Shah, 43, said he was about to have dinner when the waves crashed against his home, breaking the windows.
“My house was filled with water within minutes. Fearing the situation would get worse, I grabbed important documents and fled with my wife and children,” said the father of three.
Housewife Noreha Gor Yaman, 43, said it was like a “dream” seeing the houses submerged in water.
“I only thought of saving my daughter and luckily all of us escaped,” she said.
Besut Fire and Rescue Department chief Hasmadi Jusoh said there were no casualties and all victims were safely evacuated.
“However, we have told them to return to the relief centre as bigger waves are expected to hit the village again,” he said.
He said Sunday's high tide destroyed the village's wave barrier.
Besut Public Order and Traffic chief Chief Insp Abdullah Che Soh said police would increase patrols at the village to prevent any looting.
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