A Viral Video Shows Large Waves Hitting A Terengganu Oil Rig Leaving Workers Stranded
Tropical storm Pabuk is expected to head to Langkawi, Kedah, and several islands in Thailand next.
By Tamara Jayne — 04 Jan 2019, 12:41 PM
A video showing powerful waves crashing onto an oil rig in Terengganu has been making rounds on the Internet since Wednesday, 2 January
According to Malaysiakini, several workers, who were meant to head back to the mainland yesterday, were left stranded on the rig due to the storm.
Petronas dispatched an Emergency Response Team to monitor the situation. According to them, the situation is under control and all victims are safe.
The high waves and strong winds were reported to be a result of the tropical storm Pabuk believed to be headed to Langkawi, Northern Kedah, and Thailand next
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) predicted that the storm will hit those areas tomorrow (5 January), New Straits Times reported.
"High waves are forecast for tomorrow, so we are advising against all water recreational activities, fishing, and sailing for the time being," said Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) director Lieutenant Col (PA) Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacob.
"During the warning period, residents are advised to stay at home and adhere to orders issued by the authorities," said Terengganu State Secretary Datuk A Rahman yesterday at a media conference, Malay Mail reported.
The Fire and Rescue Department is said to be on standby on the east coast states of Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu.
Meanwhile, thousands of tourists have fled the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in Thailand to escape the seven-metre waves that are forecasted to arrive
According to The Guardian, as of yesterday, no official evacuation was announced. However, tourists were seen heading out of the areas in droves.
"[W]e expect waves as high as five or seven metres near the eye of the storm," director general at the Thai Meteorological Department (MetThailand) Phuwieng Prakammaintara told reporters.
MetThailand has also issued warnings for all southern provinces, saying that the storm is due to hit between the 3 and 5 January.
The public is urged to take precautions following the drowning of a 56-year-old Russian man on nearby island Koh Samui after he ignored warnings to avoid the sea
Police captain Boonnam Srinarat of Samui Police told AFP that the family of three went swimming and the strong current caught the man who drowned.
Authorities are currently preparing shelters on the islands for tourists who are waiting out the storm.
Thai people prepare for the tropical storm that is said to bring heavy rains and high waves.
Image via AP News