SIXTY-EIGHT people, including 20 children, stranded at the Budi recreation camp, Kampung Belukar Bukit, Kuala Berang, due to floods were rescued today.

Camp supervisor Farhan Zakaria said the downpour since last Friday had resulted in the area being flooded and caused 10 tents used by participants of the “Bengkel Solat” programme to be swept away by strong currents.

“The water level rose suddenly up to our chest level around 5.30am. Therefore, we decided to take all the participants to the surau, which is located on higher ground,” he told reporters after being rescued by personnel from the Kuala Berang fire and rescue station.

“We also had to lift a wheelchair-bound senior citizen, who is the family member of one of the participants.”

He said it was difficult for them to get help as they were experiencing disruption of internet and telephone services while their vehicles were submerged in water.

Kuala Berang fire and rescue station chief Hanafi Mohd said they received information about the incident yesterday but was unable to carry out the rescue operation as the road leading to the area was cut off due to floods.

“The rescue team was only able to go the area when the water started to recede this morning,” he said, adding that the operation, which ended at 1pm involved nine firemen. – Bernama, February 28, 2022.