KUBANG PASU: The main campus of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) in Sintok was almost hit by a water surge incident today following several hours of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Instead, the 7pm phenomenon caused flooding to four houses and a surau nearby. No casualties were reported.
Kubang Pasu Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Mohd Adenin Suhaimi said the agency was at the site to monitor the situation.
"The APM received reports regarding the incident at about 7pm today from the public.
"Following heavy rainfall and thunderstorm, a water surge incident occurred in the area," he said in a statement today.
He said flood water levels in the area have receded as weather conditions improved tonight.
"No temporary flood evacuation centre (PPS) has been activated. The situation is under control and no civilians are injured," he added.
Meanwhile, a 52-year-old maintenance worker was rescued by firemen after he was left stranded on a excavator in the middle of a lake in UUM during the incident.
Kubang Pasu Fire and Rescue Department officer Zulkifli Manaf said the man was rescued about 7pm.
"Upon arrival, the man was stuck in the middle of the lake ans surrounded by rising water during the heavy rain.
"The rescue team managed to rescue the man by wading through the flood water. Fortunately, he was unharmed," he said when contacted.
Following the water surge incident, UUM Student Affairs Department has issued a warning to all students and staff to remain cautious during heavy rain and thunderstorms.
"They are advised to avoid areas at risk of being inundated by floodwater," the department said.
