PENDANG: An elderly man from Kampung Bukit Jambul has become the first casualty of the floods that have ravaged Kedah since Monday, the worst the state has seen in 14 years.
District police chief Deputy Superintendent Roslan Mat said police received a distress call about 11.20am reporting that the victim, 63, drowned while casting his fishing net in Sungai Belakang Mada near Kampung Kobah here.
"Initial investigations revealed the victim arrived at the scene about 9am. Witnesses said the victim had entered the river to release his net that had become stuck.
"He was suddenly swept by a strong current that pulled him into a water tunnel before his body was found floating at the scene," he said in a statement today (Sept 19).
Roslan added that medical responders from the Health Ministry confirmed that the victim died at the scene.
The body was sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star for post-mortem.
"Police wish to urge the public to remain cautious during the ongoing flood disaster. Prioritise your safety and that of your family, and avoid approaching flooded areas and rivers if possible," Roslan said.
Kedah has been facing severe flooding since Monday.
According to the Welfare Department's Disaster Information mobile application, 4,278 victims from 1,271 families have been affected up to 6pm today (Sept 19), in what has been described as the worst floods in the state in over a decade.