Neighbour Recounts Berang Landslide Horror: A Night of Terror and Rescue
The recent landslide in Berang has left the community reeling, with stories of survival and loss emerging from the rubble. One neighbour, whose home miraculously survived the devastating event, shared a harrowing account of the night, painting a vivid picture of the chaos and fear that unfolded. This article delves into their eyewitness testimony, offering a glimpse into the raw emotions and experiences of those who lived through this tragedy.
A Night of Unrelenting Noise
"It started with a low rumble," recounted the neighbour, identified only as Puan Fatimah, her voice still trembling with the memory. "At first, I thought it was just a heavy downpour, but the sound grew louder, more intense. It was like a monstrous roar, a grinding of earth and stone." The initial tremor, she described, was followed by a deafening cascade of mud, rocks, and debris. The landslide, she explained, was incredibly fast, leaving little time for reaction.
The frantic scramble for safety
Puan Fatimah described a scene of pure pandemonium. "People were screaming, running, trying to escape the torrent of mud. Homes were collapsing around us. It was utter chaos," she recalled, her eyes welling up. She and her family, along with several neighbours, managed to find refuge on higher ground, witnessing the horrifying destruction unfolding before their eyes. The Berang landslide, she stressed, wasn't a slow, creeping disaster; it was a sudden, violent event that swallowed homes whole.
The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery
The immediate aftermath saw a frantic search and rescue operation, with emergency services working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris. Puan Fatimah recounted the heart-wrenching moments of waiting, watching as rescuers painstakingly cleared the mud and debris, their faces etched with determination and concern. The community rallied together, offering support and assistance to those affected. Berang's resilience, she emphasized, shone brightly amidst the tragedy, with neighbours helping neighbours in the face of unimaginable loss.
The community comes together
The experience brought the community of Berang closer. "We've always been a close-knit community, but this tragedy has strengthened our bonds," Puan Fatimah shared. The collective trauma has fostered a spirit of unity and mutual support, with people coming together to help those who have lost their homes and loved ones. The Berang community's response, she highlighted, was a testament to the strength and compassion of its people.
Lessons Learned and Future Prevention
The Berang landslide serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by natural disasters. Puan Fatimah urged for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures. Landslide prevention measures, she stressed, are crucial in mitigating future risks and protecting vulnerable communities. Her account underscores the need for greater investment in early warning systems, improved land management practices, and community education programs.
Conclusion: Remembering Berang
The Berang landslide remains a haunting reminder of the destructive power of nature. Puan Fatimah's account provides a poignant testament to the courage and resilience of the community, as they grapple with loss and begin the long process of rebuilding their lives. The tragedy also highlights the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect communities from future natural disasters. Berang's recovery will be a long journey, but the spirit of the community, as witnessed by Puan Fatimah's account, promises a path toward healing and rebuilding.