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SARAWAKIANS in 36 districts have been placed on red alert for another possible round of torrential rain and severe floods for the next few days.
The red alert was issued by two separate government departments, the national-level Malaysian Meteorological Department and the state-level Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department.
The two departments warned that continuous torrential rain and potential floods are expected to hit Sarawak for the next three days, that is, from Mar 18 (tomorrow), to Mar 20.
The 36 districts named are Kuching, Bau, Lundu, Serian, Tebedu, Siburan, Samarahan, Asajaya, Simunjan, Sebuyau, Gedong (all in southern Sarawak), Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Pantu, Lingga, Betong, Saratok, Kabong, Pusa, Julau, Meradong, Pakan, Sarikei, Sibu, Selangau, Kanowit, Tanjung Manis, Dalat, Daro, Matu, Mukah, Kapit, Song (all in central Sarawak), Bintulu, Tatau and Sebauh (all in northern Sarawak).
"The affected districts are expected to experience non-stop heavy rain. Residents living in low-lying areas, riverine settlements and river basins must be on high alert for any possibilities of floods in the event of non-stop rain.
"They must follow instructions and cooperate with the agencies in the event of evacuation," said the Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department in public notices.
The last red alert for floods was issued last month.
Sarawak has been hit by torrential rain, massive floods and landslides since last December due to the ‘landas’ (monsoon) season.
Flood waters, of up to two metres in some areas, inundated urban housing estates and rural longhouses, with some locations left submerged for days. – March 17, 2025