Heavy rain on the island of Phuket has caused widespread floods and landslides, leaving many fearing for their lives.
Earlier this morning (Aug 23), Mediacorp actress Aileen Tan took to Instagram to ask for help as her niece, Samantha, was trapped on the roof of a villa during the floods.
In her IG Story, she said that tourists in Phuket need help and included the Airbnb address of the Prima Karon Villa Samantha and friends were staying at.
Aileen also posted a video of Samantha and her friends dangerously climbing onto the roof as they waited to be rescued.
The actress then went on to ask her followers if anyone could lend aid.
At about noon today, Aileen shared an update that her niece and friends had been rescued after being stuck on the roof for almost seven hours.
She included a message from Samantha who apologised for causing panic.
“We finally got off the roof and brought our friend to the nearby clinic. The panic really set in when the water rushed into the room and the furniture lifted from the ground. [I’ve] been in the rain and cold since 4am so jialat. But thank you for all your prayers,” wrote Samantha.
Speaking to 8world, Aileen said her niece had messaged the family group chat about her predicament at “about 4 or 5am”.
“I didn’t know what I could do so I went on social media to see if I could find help,” added Aileen.
It was also revealed that one of Samantha’s friends had accidentally cut himself while taking refuge and is currently under observation at a hospital.
He would be able to return to Singapore in a few days if his condition is not serious.
Aileen then said her niece had asked her to take down the post as she doesn’t want to further alarm anyone now that everyone is safe.