JITRA: The water surge phenomenon at the Bukit Wang waterfall here yesterday evening, was the second reported in the state recently, after a similar incident in Lata Bayu, Baling two days ago.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department deputy director (operations and rescue) Mohamadul Ehsan Mohd Zain said 18 picnic spots in the state have been identified as risky areas for the water surge phenomenon during the current rainy spell.
He said among the locations are Titi Hayun and Batu Hampar in Yan, Sungai Kuala Sedim and Junjung, and Ulu Paip in Kulim; Tupah in Merbok; Telaga Tujuh, Temurun and Lubuk Semilang in Langkawi.
"The other locations are Puncak Janing and Sungai Empangan Pedu in Kuala Nerang, Bukit Hijau, Lata Celak Iboi, Lata Bayu and Sungai Ketil in Baling; Lata Mengkuang, Perangin and Tasik Beris in Sik; and Bukit Wang in Jitra.
Mohamadul advised the public against visiting these areas during this rainy season, which was expected to last until end of November.
"During this period, there will be heavy rainfall and flash floods, so we would like to advise people to postpone any plan to visit picnic spots in particular waterfalls and rivers," he said when met at the Batu Sungai Changlun picnic spot today.
He said in the incident yesterday evening, the department rescued 18 picnickers who were trapped at Batu Sungai Changlun and two other picnickers in Bukit Wang after the areas were struck by a water surge.
He said fortunately, all the victims escaped unhurt in the incident, which occurred after heavy showers which started at 6pm.
The incident also caused nearby villages to be submerged by a 1.5m flash flood.
On Aug 18, the water surge phenomenon had struck Gunung Jerai, killing six people and leaving over 1,000 houses in Yan and Merbok districts damaged.
It was among the worst water surge incidents reported in Kedah in decades.