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MIRI – The continuous downpour continues to batter various parts of Sarawak, forcing residents to evacuate their flood-hit homes.
Doris Ting, who lives near Sibu, said the low-lying areas in the outskirts of the town centre have been flooded to a point that roads are fully covered.
She said floods have also inundated villages located close to the riverbanks, such as those within the Nangka constituency, located not far from Sibu.
“Rainfall has been heavy and non-stop for several hours at a time.
“If the drainage systems are unable to handle the downpour, floodwaters can easily overwhelm the waterways and spill over roads and houses,” she said.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, in its updates across social media, said the evacuation of flood victims in Kg Seduan near Sibu has commenced.
The department stated that the Sungai Merah fire station had deployed its personnel to Kg Seduan to carry out the evacuation.
State Disaster Management Committee coordinator for Sibu, Dr Annuar Rapaee said the Kg Jeriah community hall has been converted into a flood relief centre today.
So far, 45 people from Kg Seduan have been evacuated from their inundated homes at noon and placed there until further notice.
Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman, called on those in flood-hit villages to evacuate when instructed by rescue personnel.
“When floodwaters enter the houses and continue to rise, those inside must leave soonest.
“If the rescue units come, those in their homes must evacuate fast.
“Do not take the risks by delaying,” he said, in a statement across social media platforms.
Apart from Sibu, the districts of Kuching, Serian and Limbang are also witnessing heavy rainfall. – The Vibes, January 13, 2022