Fire Dept Identifies 18 Water Surge Hotspots In Kelantan

KOTA BHARU, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has identified 18 'hotspots' across six districts in the state that are at risk of water surges.

Its director Zainal Madasin said all the identified 'hotspots' involved recreational areas with waterfalls and rivers, including Jeram Pasu and Jeram Mengaji in Pasir Puteh, which are popular tourist spots.

He added that in Kuala Krai, seven locations have been identified, namely Lata Rek, Lata Berangin, Istana Sangkut Waterfall, Lata Chenulang, Lata Y, Jelawang Dabong Waterfall, and Lata Kertas, while in Tanah Merah, Lata Hujan and Lata Bijih are also at risk.

"As for the Jeli district, four tourist spots have been identified: Lata Janggut, Lata Keding, Lata Turbo, and Lata Kashmir. Bukit Bakar Waterfall and Jeram Linang in Machang as well as Jeram Pelangi Renok in Gua Musang.

"Based on our observations, it has been raining almost daily lately, and I do not rule out the possibility of landslides or water surges occurring, especially in river areas or recreational sites," he told reporters after attending the Kelantan JBPM Monthly Assembly here today.

Zainal added that five deaths were recorded last year at rapids and waterfalls, while 13 victims were rescued.

Meanwhile, he said the department has also identified eight locations at risk of landslides, including the Jalan Kuala Betis-Lojing, Jalan Gua Musang-Lojing, and the Jeli-Gerik East-West Highway, as well as areas in Lojing and Lata Rek.

"Other high-risk areas are Gunong Stong, Chuchuh Puteri in Kuala Krai, and Batu 18 on the Jeli East-West Highway. Our personnel will continue to monitor these areas, assisted by the Safety Water and Rescue Team (SWART), and will work with the Public Works Department (JKR) if necessary," he said.

-- BERNAMA