IPOH, Dec 28 — Residents of Kampung Teluk Kepayang in Bota here are maintaining a buoyant attitude despite facing the worst flood in over 20 years.

Roughly 80 per cent of the village, which lies on the banks of Sungai Perak, was affected after flood waters inundated houses and destroyed crops.

Locals say the floods, which hit on Thursday, are the worst since 1993.

With odds against them, the residents have rallied impressively to work day and night to augment rescue efforts.

“Some of them did not even eat or sleep the whole day. From the minute the waters began to rise, they sprung into action, moving heavy household items and even carrying those unable to escape the rising waters,” said village chief Meor Ismail Kamaruddin.

“It was nothing less than inspiring. In those initial moments, we needed every hand we could get and the villagers managed to contribute so much on their own.

“They never complained and they toiled from 10am to dawn the next day — all in the name of helping their fellow villagers.”

One of the villagers was 51-year-old Mohd Azhar Nawawi, whose house was the first to be hit by the floods.

“After moving my belongings to a safe place, I immediately alerted my friends and we tried to help the other residents,” he said.

“We did what we could. We were just worried about our fellow villagers.”

Some residents even resorted to fishing to pass time.

Nizam Badrul, 41, said he was merely taking advantage of the increased water levels.

“Normally you have to go to the river, but now the river has come to us. Why not do some fishing until the waters subside?” he said.

Local cafe owner Mohd Zulhelmy Khori, 26, said some indulged in rudimentary water sport when the waters were a bit higher.

“The power is out in most of our houses, and obviously we can’t play futsal or badminton because the village is largely flooded,” he said.

“So I got a small float and slid down the driveway of my house for a bit of fun.”

Neighbouring Kampung Teluk Kepayang Hilir village chief, Ali Yahya, said this was symbolic of the village’s positive attitude.

“We are a big family here and although there will be a lot of cleaning up to do, I am sure we can handle it,” he said.

“At the moment, there is more than enough supply for everyone. The authorities, including non-governmental organisations and local leaders, have ensured we are provided with food items and household necessities.”