Water surge in Bukit Wang traps visitors; heavy rain causes floods in villages

JITRA: The Fire and Rescue Department has initiated rescue operations to help visitors trapped at the Bukit Wang waterfall area due to a water surge phenomenon following heavy rainfall this evening.

The heavy rain also caused flash floods in nearby villages.

Kedah Fire and Rescue Department deputy director (operations and rescue) Mohamadul Ehsan Mohd Zain said they also received a distress call regarding 16 people who were trapped at a hill in Batu Sungai Changlun, Bukit Kayu Hitam.

"We received a distress call at 6.08pm on those trapped at the Bukit Wang waterfall area, triggering an immediate rescue mission.

"At the same time, we also received a call about 16 people who were trapped due to flood at a hill in Batu Sungai Changlun, Bukit Kayu Hitam," he said when contacted.

Mohamadul Ehsan added that the water surge incident in Bukit Wang had also submerged three houses at the foothill in 1.5m of flood water.

"We have mobilised a rescue team to relocate the three families to their relative homes nearby and the operation was completed by 7.30pm," he said.

Meanwhile in Sungai Petani, a two-hour heavy shower followed by strong winds wreaked havoc in several areas.

Kuala Muda Civil Defence Force (CDF) officer Azahar Ahmad said the 3.30pm thunderstorm had uprooted several trees, damaged houses and vehicles and obstructed several roads.

"Among the affected areas are Jalan PKNK, Jalan Inai, Taman Ria Jaya, Jalan Hospital Sungai Petani, Sungai Petani Industrial Area, Jalan Amanjaya and Jalan Bandar Perdana," he said.

He said 11 CDF members had been deployed to the scenes to clear the uprooted trees and provide assistance to the victims.

"Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident," he said.

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