Flash flood trauma fades as survivors rebuild lives five years after Gunung Jerai disaster

Five years after a devastating flash flood struck Gunung Jerai, survivors in Yan, Malaysia, are gradually overcoming the trauma of the event that claimed six lives. While the memories of the ordeal remain vivid, life is slowly returning to normal for those affected.

The incident, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on August 18, 2021, impacted over 2,000 residents. Homes and properties were destroyed as powerful currents carrying mud, large rocks, and logs swept through several villages at the foot of the mountain. The tragedy also reshaped the landscape, obliterating three popular recreational sites: Titi Hayun, Batu Hampar, and Seri Perigi.

“

Around 2 p.m., it rained very heavily, and the river next to the chalet began to rise, carrying muddy water. I was moving some items into storage to prevent damage.

Syazwan Anas Abdul Mutalib, 44, who lost his grandfather in the disaster, described the experience as unforgettable, even as his life has since normalized. On the day of the flood, he was helping his grandfather, Ku Shuib Ku Abdullah, 91, a former mosque imam, manage the Salak Denai Chalet near Batu Hampar.

"Around 2 p.m., it rained very heavily, and the river next to the chalet began to rise, carrying muddy water. I was moving some items into storage to prevent damage," he recounted. Syazwan Anas recalled his grandfather lying on a bed at the front of the house with his grandmother, Kalsom Abdullah, 83, and his eldest son, Muhammad Hadif, 11.

“

I tried to wade through knee-deep water to reach my grandfather but was too late when a large wave carrying logs and rocks hit the house.

"The river water began to overflow, entering several chalets and the dormitory, causing parts of the building walls to collapse and be swept away by the current. I tried to wade through knee-deep water to reach my grandfather but was too late when a large wave carrying logs and rocks hit the house," he said. He witnessed his grandfather being swept away, while his grandmother and son were also carried by the strong current before getting stuck in a mango tree behind the house.

“

Not long after, a second wave came, sweeping away two of my cars and three motorcycles. The muddy current also battered three chalets, causing them all to collapse.

"Not long after, a second wave came, sweeping away two of my cars and three motorcycles. The muddy current also battered three chalets, causing them all to collapse," he added. After the situation subsided, he immediately found his grandmother and son, moved them to higher ground, and then searched for his grandfather in the surrounding area.

"My grandfather's body was only found four days later, and I am grateful that he was finally found. He only had a few minor injuries before being buried after the autopsy was completed," he said.

“

My grandfather's body was only found four days later, and I am grateful that he was finally found. He only had a few minor injuries before being buried after the autopsy was completed.