CHUKAI: Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan 'As'ari Omar believes that the unusually heavy rainfall on Saturday (July 1) was the main cause of the water surge phenomenon at Jeram Air Putih here.
He said on that day, the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) recorded rainfall of 106.5mm within a short period.
According to the DID's Public Infobanjir website, Kemaman district recorded rainfall readings of 0.5mm on June 28, 9mm (July 2) and 0.5mm (July 3). Rainfall data on June 29 and 30 was not recorded due to disruption of the observation system.
"A water surge can also occur due to obstructions along the river and that blocks that prevent debris from going down Sungai Teladas.
"When it rained very heavily on Saturday, I believe the obstructions were no longer able to withstand the load before suddenly collapsing in the form of a water surge," he said.
Hassan 'As'ari said the strong currents then flowed through Sungai Teladas until it reached Jeram Air Putih.
A family of nine from Felda Lepar Hilir, Kuantan, Pahang and another individual from Batu Pahat, Johor, who was engaged to one of the family, were having a picnic at the Air Putih waterfall on Saturday.
They are believed to have been swept away by the water surge.
The search and rescue operation for victims have found eight bodies as of 3pm on Tuesday (July 7). Two other victims remain missing. – Bernama
