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A RETIRED pastor was found drowned after the car he was driving got stuck and was swept away by strong floodwaters into a river at Kilometre 4, Jalan Selirik in Kapit, Sarawak, this morning.
Police said the incident occurred around 6 am when the victim, Bangau Amping, 75, was on his way home after dropping off his wife who sells goods in front of SK Methodist.
"It had been raining the whole night and the flood waters swept away the victim's car into the nearby Sungai Selepong.
"By the time rescue workers got to the victim, he was already dead. Medical personnel officially pronounced him dead at 7.40am," said police.
Meanwhile, Sibu Zone Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) chief Andy Alie said upon receiving the emergency call at 7.00 am, three personnel who were assisting with flood evacuations at Rumah Richard Engking, Sungai Amang, were dispatched to the scene, located near the Tatai Kenyalang junction.
"Upon arrival, a Proton Saga car was spotted in the river, and the victim was still inside the vehicle. The victim was extricated and handed over to the police for further action,“ he said.
Floods are reported at villages in Jalan Selepong 3, Simpang Utong, Taman Buloh Perindu and longhouse Rumah Engking.
The rain over Sarawak has been worsening the last few days, signalling the start of the landas (monsoon) season.
Miri in northern Sarawak was also badly flooded on Monday. - November 27, 2024
