Six cars submerged in flash flood in Taman Negara

An outing by five expatriates to a resort in Taman Negara in Jerantut, 213 kilometre from here, turned sour today as their cars were submerged in a flash flood.

Jerantut District Police chief, Supt Mazlan Hassan said, the five cars were among six vehicles involved in the incident at about 5.30 am. The sixth car belonged to a resort worker.

"It is believed that the cars had been parked at a drop-off zone near the jetty to Taman Negara since yesterday. It is learnt that they have been advised by the local people not to park there.

"The continuous rain had resulted in a column of water from Sungai Kuala Tahan hitting the area, causing the flash flood this morning," he said in a statement here.

Mazlan said, the expatriates, aged between 33 and 52, were from Australia, Britain, China, France and the Netherlands, and had addresses in Kuala Lumpur.

The cars included a Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Fortuner and a Mercedes Benz GLC 250. The 34-year-old resort worker's car was a Proton Wira.

"The cars have been towed to the Kuala Tahan Police Station but the value of the loss has yet to be determined," he said.

Mazlan advised those planning to visit Taman Negara to park their vehicles at the designated area, especially during the current erratic weather to avoid any unforeseen incident.

Tourists were also reminded to be alert to the changes in the weather when participating in water activities.

Meanwhile, Pahang Tourism, Environment and Plantations Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, when contacted said, the state government will provide transportation for the expatriates to return to Kuala Lumpur.

"I was informed that some of the victims are supposed to return to the city today. We will help if they want us to do so as their cars are badly damaged," he said. - BERNAMA