5,000 evacuees now in Sarawak

KUCHING: The number of flood evacuees in southern Sarawak has risen to more than 5,000 as high tides caused floods in low-lying areas although the rain has lessened.

As at 2pm yesterday, there were 5,533 evacuees from 1,484 families in Kuching, Bau and Serian districts – up from 3,230 people on Tuesday night.

They were housed at 20 relief centres in Kuching, five in Bau and two in Serian.

By afternoon, there were no more evacuees at the Taman Malihah multipurpose hall, St Peter Bunuk, Surau Kampung Landeh, Dewan Sinaran Lumut and Dewan Kampung Bumbok centres.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the situation had improved and was under control.

“It does not affect all of Sarawak but mainly the Kuching and Serian divisions.

“In the next week or so we expect some rain but it will not be as bad as it was a few days ago,” he told reporters after being briefed by the Kuching disaster management committee at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

‘Flood relief’: Residents enjoying a light moment as waters recede from their village along Sungai Sarawak. —Bernama

He said although tide levels were still high, the situation was not expected to be as bad because there was less rain, adding that the Kuching barrage on the Sarawak River was helping to control the flow of water.

“Repairs are being done immediately with regards to erosion and damage to roads. We expect it to be completed in the next week or so and all roads are now passable,” Adenan said.

He also said the state government would consider giving financial assistance to flood victims later.

“We are providing the usual assistance like food and clothing,” he said.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohammad said the amount of rainfall had lessened “drastically” in the last two days compared with Sunday.

“We hope the situation will keep improving as it has stopped raining in the upper catchment area,” he said.

He advised residents in low-lying riverine areas, including Kampung Kudei, Kampung Pulo, Kampung Tupong and Kampung Bintawa, to stay alert during high tide.

“Take early precautions to put your belongings at a high level.

“For those who have difficulty moving, such as the elderly and disabled, report to us immediately so that we can evacuate them smoothly if necessary,” Nor Hisham said.

A flood victim, housewife Senorita David from Kampung Kudei Baru, said she was evacuated to the Civic Centre here with six of her family members, including her two-week-old baby girl, when the water level rose on Monday night.

“A lorry from the Civil Defence Department took us away at about 10pm. We had time to pack our belongings,” she said.

The Civic Centre sheltered some 750 people from 200 families as of yesterday morning.