Sungai Kampar remains at danger level

IPOH: Sungai Kampar has swollen to a dangerous level following heavy rainfall since Sunday night.

Firemen are closely monitoring the river and a few other locations in the state after videos of gushing water at several waterfalls appeared on social media, said Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad.

He said Sungai Kampar’s water level stayed at danger level yesterday.

“So far, there are no reports of flash floods forcing residents to move out of their houses,” he said when contacted.

Sabarodzi said heavy rainfall had been reported in Kampar and Tapah since Sunday night.

He added that the authorities were also monitoring Lata Kinjang and Lata Iskandar waterfalls in Batang Padang district.

Several videos of a water surge phenomenon at Lata Iskandar waterfall along Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands appeared on social media yesterday.

Information on the videos claimed that the water surge incident was recorded at about 7.50am.

At the Lata Kinjang waterfall in Chenderiang, the strong movement of water damaged a fence at an observation bridge.

Sabarodzi urged the people to defer or avoid any activities near streams, waterfalls and rivers located near hills or mountains for now.

“If they are in a riverine area, observe the current and condition of the water.

“They need to look out for changes in the colour of the water or if there are leaves and bubbles flowing in strong currents,” he said, adding that they should be alert to changes in weather.

“They should also get away from the area if it is raining to prevent any untoward incidents from happening.”

He also said those staying near rivers should ensure that important documents and valuables are kept in a safe place and can be carried with them immediately when floods happen.

“Parents are also advised to monitor their children and advise them not to play in the rivers during the rainy season,” he said.