Flood Victims Tulan with Disaster Tourists!

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

KUALA KRAI (Kelantan) - A large number of people have been converging on Malaysia's Kelantan state, some bringing welcome aid to the flood victims.

But there is another group coming in that is not welcome - sightseers who want to see for themselves the scenes of flood devastation, and post selfies and other "I was there" pictures on Facebook or Twitter.



These "disaster tourists" are adding to the woes of the people by coming in large groups and clogging up areas with their vehicles. They are also getting in the way of services and volunteers who are trying desperately to reach the victims.

Twitter user @melatienida, whose parents hail from Kelantan, tweeted a picture of curious onlookers in Kota Baru. "Banjir (flood) became part of the tourist attraction. People come to this spot just to see it!" she shared.

On Instagram, one user posted a video of fast-flowing flood waters in Seberang Perak, writing: "Trip to see the floods. Oil palm plantation becomes a river. Water rushing past even though it's blazing hot."

When another user asked if she was a resident there, she replied she had just travelled from Sitiawan to see the floods for herself.

Those distributing aid to flood victims say their jobs have been hampered by these sightseers. "They choke up roads with their cars," one said.

A military officer who wanted to be known only as Yan said the roads here were congested with casual visitors when priority should be given to vehicles bringing in aid. "To bring 20 to 30 cars for a visit to the area only worsens the situation," he said. "The roads are already congested with victims' cars... These tourists shouldn't be driving into the rural areas nor be there at all."

Eighth Army Brigade commander Azmi Yahya confirmed that there were large numbers of "unwanted tourists", causing added traffic problems.

"Our work continues, but the process is being slowed because of this," he said.

Malaysian Red Crescent Society national disaster management committee member James Kon said that people who were not involved in relief efforts should not get in the way.

"They should stay away for now. Some of the roads are not safe as well," he added.

The bad traffic flow left volunteer doctor Beh Xi Chin and his team stuck on a bridge for almost three hours.

"People here have lost everything," he said. "There are some who are doing everything they can to help these people, while there are others who are taking advantage of the situation."

Dr Beh hoped the authorities would help control the "unwanted congestion".

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a widespread thunderstorm warning over the waters of Selangor, Negri Sembilan and West Johor yesterday, and said the situation was expected to continue till tomorrow.

The statement also pointed out that the condition was particularly dangerous to small craft. "Any recreational sea activities and sea sports should be avoided," it said.
http://www.stasiareport.com/the-big-...oes-20150107#2


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