Injured woman recounts Kedah storm
ALOR STAR: A woman, who was injured during a storm that affected the Kedah Pas Complex here during the 63rd Pas Muktamar on Saturday, said it was the scariest moment of her life.
Zainaton Man, 45, from Jitra was walking with her husband and four children when strong winds blew over several canopies.
She was trapped underneath the collapsed canopies, while her husband and children managed to seek shelter at the main building where the muktamar was held.
“I was horrified when the canopies fell on top of me. I had to wait for several minutes before I was pulled out to safety,” she said at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here yesterday.
Zainaton suffered a broken right ankle and injury to her right leg in the 7.25pm incident on Saturday.
State Health Department director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said Zainaton was scheduled to undergo an ankle surgery.
He said 13 people, including six men, were referred to the hospital. All of them were aged between 12 and 66.
“Twelve of them were allowed to return home after they were given outpatient treatment.
“We also provided emergency treatment to seven other victims at the incident scene,” Dr Norhizan said.
Norhizan said 47 medical personnel with 14 ambulances and one rapid response vehicle were deployed to the location to help with the rescue mission and provide aid to the victims.
Meanwhile, Pas deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, accompanied by deputy Pas spiritual leader Datuk Ahmad Yakob and Kedah Pas commissioner Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi, paid a visit to Zainaton at the hospital yesterday.
Ibrahim said the incident was beyond human doing and described it as “a test from God”.
“No need to speculate. We should pray for the safety of those who were injured,” he said.
Pas secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said 30 booths were damaged in the incident.
He said clearing work on the damaged canopies was carried out since yesterday morning.