M’sian Stuck in Hatyai Flood Shares How Hotel Rallied to Provide Food, Shelter for Tourists & Locals Alike

For the past few days, many Malaysians have been stranded in Hatyai in Songkhla, Thailand, because of severe flooding, according to Berita Harian.

Reports say that most of them have had to rely on food provided by their hotels, along with whatever supplies they managed to buy before the city’s shops were forced to close.

“By Saturday morning, our hotel was surrounded by floodwater”

In an interview with WORLD OF BUZZ, Sani Halid and his colleagues shared their experience after travelling to Hatyai last Friday (21 November) via a travel agency.

He explained that the floodwaters began rising gradually on the afternoon of their arrival, and by the next day, the area around their hotel was surrounded by water.

“We left for Hatyai on Friday morning, travelling from Langkawi – Perlis – Padang Besar – Hatyai. The flood started rising gradually on Friday afternoon, and by Saturday morning, our hotel, Hatyai Paradise, was surrounded by floodwater,” he said.

He also mentioned that Thailand has a flood warning system, and every phone in their group received alerts while they were in the van.

“The water supply was cut off in all hotel rooms”

Sani explained that, fortunately, their hotel became a shelter for locals whose homes were flooded.

“The hotel was really helpful. At first, they only offered buffet breakfast, but because of the emergency, they started providing lunch and dinner for guests. Locals also brought aid, like food and essentials such as shampoo and soap.

“The electricity went out on Saturday, so the hotel used a generator for a limited time to let everyone charge their phones, prepare food, and other needs.

“On Sunday, the water supply was cut off in all rooms, and only the lobby restroom had running water. The hotel tried to conserve water for the most important uses,” he said.

He added that the flood hasn’t fully subsided, but the travel agent is helping them get to the border, and they plan to depart today.

At the time of writing, Sani shared an update saying they are still stuck and unable to leave their hotel as the floodwaters are rising again.

Also read: “We’re checked in until tomorrow” – Flood Victims in Hatyai Are Reportedly Refusing Rescue Efforts