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KOTA BELUD: It was a harrowing moment for five people, including two children, after getting caught in the middle of a swelling river at a tourists spot in Kg Malangkap, here, Monday.

It was learnt that the five aged between 11 and 38, managed to climb atop a huge stone in the middle of the river and were trapped there for almost two hours before help came. Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Muhammad Syazwan Latun said a 2.40pm distress call prompted rescue teams to the scene. Information gathered from sources showed that the five were swimming in the area when upstream rain caused the water level to rise drastically without much warning. “The five couldn’t reach the riverbank on time due to the sudden swell and strong currents,” he said. The rescue team had to use a special rope to get to the victims and bring them safely one at a time to higher ground some 15 metres away.

“The rescue operation took about an hour and one of the victims’, an 11-year-old, had to be rushed to the Kota Belud Hospital due to hypothermia,” he said, adding that the operation ended at about 4.50pm.