42 hikers were cut off by the island's stunning Telaga Tujuh Waterfall when it suddenly turned into a raging river, while brave firemen battled the elements to rescue the hikers.
Twelve firefighters, assisted by the police, conducted the five-hour rescue operation using harnesses and safety lines made out of rock climbing rope and carabiners.
Photo via New Straits Times
According to Sayani Saidon, director of Kedah Fire and Rescue Department, firefighters encountered terrible weather and had to drive around 30 kilometers from the closest station to the stranded hikers.
“We received a distress call about the trapped hikers, aged between 30 and 40, at 10.16am.
“It was raining heavily and the river current was very strong,” he said, adding that the rescue was completed at 3pm.
Sayani added that continuous rainfall left many parts of Kedah inundated, with some areas suffering from major flooding.
We’re so glad they’re okay and safe!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
