GOPENG: Twenty-three people, including infants, senior citizens and a pregnant woman, were safely evacuated after being stranded when a bridge collapsed following flash floods in Kampung Ulu Geruntum, Kuala Razila here.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the rescue operation, led by the Gopeng fire station, was launched after authorities received an emergency call at 11.57am today.
He said firefighters arrived at the scene at 12.25pm and found villagers stranded on the opposite side of Sungai Geruntum after the bridge they depended on was swept away by strong currents triggered by a headwater surge on Friday.
"The victims comprised two boys, two senior citizens, four adult men, nine adult women, including a pregnant woman, and three infants.
"Upon arrival, we conducted an assessment of the situation and found that the bridge used by the Orang Asli community had collapsed due to the strong water current.
"We immediately initiated rescue operations using ropes and received assistance in the form of a raft provided by a nearby resort to evacuate the victims safely," he said.
He said rescuers assisted the victims in wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) before ferrying them across the river to safety.
"The river was about a metre deep, with a width of 50m and a moderately strong current, making the operation challenging.
"However, through close coordination among all agencies involved, we managed to bring everyone out safely without any injuries," he said.
The victims were later transferred to a temporary relief centre in Dewan Bandaraya Gopeng.
Sabarodzi said five firefighters, assisted by 16 personnel from various agencies, took part in the operation, which concluded at 2.15pm. - NST
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