THE Civil Defence Force (CDF) has issued an advisory against visiting Lata Bayu waterfall in Asam Jawa, Baling, during the current unpredictable weather and monsoon transitional phase.

Kedah CDF disaster operations division chief Saifuddin Abdullah said the Lata Bayu waterfall is on the list of 39 recreation areas identified as hotspots at high risk of water surge phenomenon in the state.

He said the most recent water surge phenomenon in Lata Bayu was on August 31 in which two women were trapped, who were fortunately rescued.

“The public must be cautious when visiting recreational areas for picnics or camping, especially the Lata Bayu waterfall, as it is one of the areas prone to debris flows in Baling,” he told a press conference in Alor Setar today.

Saifuddin said Baling faces the highest risk for water surge incidents with 11 hotspots, followed by Yan (6) and Sik (5).

“In addition to Lata Bayu, the 10 other high-risk areas in Baling are Kuala Kedua, Lata Bukit Hijau, Teratak Simpul, Lata Celak Iboi, Air Panas Ulu Legong, Lubuk Badak, Sungai Pam, Lata Baling, Lubuk Pedati and Lata Nering,” he said.

He said 1,100 state APM officers are on standby to handle flash floods expected during the monsoon transition phase.

“We have identified 357 high-risk flood areas, particularly along the Sungai Muda basin, and in the Kulim, Baling, Kuala Muda, Bandar Baharu, Kota Setar and Kubang Pasu districts,” he said. – Bernama, September 3, 2023.