BALING: Two men and an elderly woman clinging to a tree near their home in Kampung Haji Abas, were among five people rescued from flash floods by the Fire and Rescue Department today (Oct 13).
The three were stranded early this morning, trapped by powerful currents that pushed water levels up to 1.5 metres.
State Fire and Rescue Department Zone III Fire Safety Branch chief Mohamad Sofi Abdul Wahab said rescuers were despatched after receiving distress calls at 3.57am.
"While relocating other flood victims, we received another distress call about three individuals—two adult men and an elderly woman—trapped on a tree.
"Rescuers waded through fast-moving waters using a rope system and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the victims' safety.
"The floodwaters were between 0.5 to 1.5 metres deep, with some areas experiencing strong currents due to continuous rain," he said in a statement today (Oct 13).
He confirmed that all the victims were safely rescued and relocated to a nearby flood relief centre (PPS).
Meanwhile, Sofi said evacuation operations are ongoing, including in the Kupang sub-district.
"We received calls from Kupang at 9.29am, and so far in the district, five individuals have been relocated, including a stroke patient, an elderly person, and a child," he said.