KULIM: A Deepavali holiday outing for a family in Sungai Sedim turned tragic when a woman was swept away by strong currents caused by a water column today.
The victim, A. Kasthuri, was enjoying a picnic by the river with her family when the sudden surge occurred.
Kulim Hi-Tech Fire and Rescue Station chief Azmir Hassan said that a rescue team was quickly deployed following distress calls received at 4.02pm.
"Upon arrival, we discovered an individual who was feared to have drowned and been swept away due to the powerful currents resulting from the water column phenomenon.
"Our immediate response involved conducting a surface search around the river area," he said in a statement today.