Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department director Md Hilman Abd Rashid (left) surveying the site of Friday's water surge at Lata Ulu Kasar here. - Photo: Bernama Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat (JBPM) Terengganu mengenal pasti 21 pusat peranginan dan perkelahan di seluruh negeri yang berisiko dilanda fenomena kepala air. Sehubungan itu Md Hilman menyeru pengunjung di kawasan rekreasi air supaya peka terhadap empat petanda awal berlakunya fenomena kepala air iaitu bunyi deruan air yang kuat, perubahan air daripada jernih menjadi keruh, air menjadi berbuih dan mengandungi sampah yang turun bersama, serta peningkatan paras air secara mendadak. -- fotoBERNAMA (2022) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA
BANDAR PERMAISURI: The Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department has identified 21 resorts and picnic spots across the state that are most at risk of water surge incidents.
Its director Md Hilman Abd Rashid said the locations are Lata Tembakah Waterfall, Lata Belantan Waterfall, La Hot Spring and Deru Ecopark Spring in Besut.
ALSO READ: Terengganu on water surge alert
"In Setiu, the identified locations are Lata Ulu Kekabu, Lata Chakah and Lata Payung, while Sekayu Waterfall, Juwita Waterfall, Soak Waterfall, Lasir Waterfall and Belukar Bukit Waterfall in Hulu Terengganu.
"Apart from this, we have also identified areas in Dungun that are at risk, namely Sungai Loh; Kelemin Waterfall, Chemerong Waterfall and Lubuk Kain Waterfall.
"In Kemaman, the areas are Hutan Lipur Menderu, Jeram Tanduk Waterfall, Sungai Air Puteh, and Sungai Cherul,” he said.
ALSO READ: Postpone leisure activities in areas with water surge risks - police
Speaking to reporters on Sunday (Sept 4) after inspecting the site where a water surge incident occurred at Lata Ulu Kasar in Sungai Tong here on Friday (Sept 2), Md Hilman urged visitors in recreational areas to be vigilant of the four initial signs of a water surge incident.
The four signs are the loud sound of rushing water, the change in water clarity from clear to turbid, the formation of water foam and floating debris; and a sudden rise in the water level.
If visitors can spot any of the signs, they will have time to save themselves before the phenomenon occurs, he said.
In the meantime, local authorities at the vulnerable sites are asked to put up signage about the danger and initial signs of water surge incidents for visitors to see.
"The public cannot always rely on the local authorities to remind them. They also need to take care of themselves and be alert at all times,” Hilman said.
Last Friday, a total of 32 people, including 13 children, were rescued after they were trapped in the area due to the incident.
Meanwhile, in SELANGOR, State Fire and Rescue director Norazam Khamis said the department was ready to face any eventuality as the country will be facing the North-East Monsoon and La Nina, which will result in a higher amount of rain.
"We have identified hotspots for water surge incidents at waterfalls in Hulu Selangor such as Sungai Pertak, Lata Medang and Lubuk Makau,” he told Bernama Sunday.
Hulu Selangor OCPD Supt Suffian Abdullah has advised the public not to take risks and that those who want to enter the areas should inform the police. - Bernama
