KOTA BARU, Dec 29 — As more areas around town began to see water levels recede, the people of Kota Baru rushed out to neighbouring towns to stock up on necessities.

The Wakaf Baru bridge, the only main road leading out towards Tumpat and Pengkalan Kubor, was without water for the first time yesterday in days.

Having largely been cut off from the outside world since floods hit Kota Baru, the townsfolk repeatedly listed the same shortages — clean water, basic cooking ingredients and petrol.

With traffic approximately as long as 3km at 1pm yesterday, the two-way bridge was reduced to one lane by cars parked at the side of the road since the floods began.

There to direct traffic was Wakaf Baru police station chief Zulkifli Yusof, who had been there as early as 7am.

“We are shorthanded here since most of our officers are involved with relief and rescue efforts,” he said.

He said he could not stop people from using the road because it was safe, although traffic was moving at a snail’s pace.

“We are at a difficult time when some people may have not eaten for days. People are rushing out to get supplies at the same time,” he said.

Faizudeen Che Deraman, 26, had been waiting for a friend to come back from town with supplies since 9am.

“We are badly in need of clean water and food. We have been waiting here for hours but we don’t mind because we have been without water for days,” he said.

“My family and I chose not to go to a relief centre since we live in a double-storey house and could just stay upstairs, but the problem had always been about food and water. As time passed, petrol has also now become a huge issue for us.

“We’re stuck here waiting because we need petrol to go back.”

Noor Ashikin, 24, was rushing between towns since yesterday to find petrol and finally found some in Kubang Kerian to bring back to her family in Tumpat.

“They were denying me access through the bridge. They gave me no explanation but it is safe to say the road was overcongested,” she said.

She explained the stock pile of food for her family was sufficient because they generally stock up during the rainy season.

“Food is no problem at the moment but we really need petrol.”