Kedah MB: Waterfall flow surges to blame, not logging

ALOR SETAR: Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has denied that the flash flood at Gunung Jerai that claimed four lives on Wednesday were linked to logging.

He gave the assurance that the floods were not caused by logging, and that no logging activities were sanctioned around Gunung Jerai.

In a statement yesterday, he said that Wednesday’s floods were due to flow surges from the waterfalls, a phenomenon known in Malay as “kepala air”.

Kedah Civil Defence Force and the state disaster management committee said in a joint statement that four people had died, three were injured and one was still missing following heavy rain that caused flash floods in the Yan, Kuala Muda and Bandar Baharu districts.

Following this, Muhammad Sanusi declared Yan and Kuala Muda districts as Level One disaster areas based on the instructions of the National Security Council (NSC).

“All agencies and statutory bodies in disaster operations are now taking measures to ensure that these disaster areas can be dealt with effectively.

“The private sector as well as voluntary bodies who want to help will be given adequate training under the coordination of NSC.

“We express sadness that the flash floods, especially around the foot of Gunung Jerai, claimed several lives. We extend our condolences to the families of those who perished, and will do our best to restore the condition and lives of affected residents,” he said.

Muhammad Sanusi reminded the public, especially those involved in rescue efforts and in giving aid, to always take precautionary measures due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 patients undergoing quarantine at home in Kedah had a tough time when flood waters surged into their homes.

They had to be rescued and state Health director Dr Othman Warijo said 24 of them were evacuated to two low risk quarantine and treatment centres.

“Out of the 24 patients, 23 are from Yan District, and were sent to the low risk Covid-19 centre in Kulim, while one from Gurun was sent to the centre in Sungai Petani,” Dr Othman said.