KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 9 — The delay in delivering food to flood victims in Kemaman at the early stage was due to stranded vehicles and safety concerns for relief workers as the water rose rapidly.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the water level rose so high that roads became inaccessible to the vehicles delivering supplies to the evacuation centres.

“The flood water current was very strong and posed a danger to the relief workers. The food had to be sent by boat but was insufficient because there were too many victims,” he told reporters after tabling the state budget 2014 here today.

He said the situation did not prolong as military lorries from the National Security Council managed to deliver the supplies the next day.

On the losses due to the floods, he said the government was unable to estimate the damage on infrastructure in the state, “which could be extensive”. — Bernama