GERIK: The Fire and Rescue Department believes that Nur Arina Azizan, 20, who is feared to have drowned in Sungai Air Beruk, Kampung Kerunai on Sunday may have been swept past the river's estuary into Sungai Rui.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations, Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, said that this is due to the strong currents and the short distance to the estuary, which connects to Sungai Rui, approximately two kilometres away.
"Based on Sunday's and Monday's water currents, we believe the victim has entered Sungai Rui. From there, it's about 16 kilometres before it connects to Sungai Perak.
"As for challenges in the search and rescue (SAR) operation, the currents in Sungai Air Beruk are swift and the water is clear, but the murky water in Sungai Rui affects visibility," he said at the Fire Department command post at the incident site today.
Sabarodzi added that another challenge faced by the SAR team is whirlpool areas, which obstruct access and may have trapped the victim.
"We need to figure out alternative methods to retrieve the victim if they are trapped in the whirlpool. This is one of the hotspots we are trying to access," he said.
He added that the SAR operation, now in its second day, was halted at 6.30pm on Monday and will resume at 8am on Tuesday.