SIBU: Floods hit Sibu Division for the second time this year, causing significant distress, particularly for those living in low-lying areas.
Persistent rain since Monday (March 17) has caused the Rajang River to swell, resulting in flooding in Kapit, Song, Kanowit, and Sibu.
The Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), in its daily update, reported that the water levels of the Rajang River at several locations are above the dangerous level.
This includes Sibu Expressboat terminal at 3.05m (dangerous level 2.90m), Kanowit town at 6.47m (dangerous level 5.59m), Durin bazaar at 5.12m (dangerous level 4.50m), and Kapit town at 17.76m (dangerous level 15.30m).
Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said continuous rain has caused several areas in Sibu, Sarawak to be flooded over the past few days.
"I have been informed that the situation is due to continuous rain which has caused the water level of the Batang Rajang River to rise and overflow onto the road.
“As a precautionary measure, I have asked the Sarawak Public Works Department to take immediate action to monitor the flooding situation on the roads, especially on the Pan Borneo Highway," he said in his Facebook post on Friday (March 21).
Nanta, who is also Works Minister, said all roads affected by the flood remain impassable for small and light vehicles.
"I call on all road users to be more vigilant and obey instructions of the authorities for their safety," he added.
In Kanowit, the Civil Defence Force (APM) Sibu Disaster Operation, Training, and Secretariat Office, led by Captain Azamshah Apparel, reported that 67 individuals from 27 families have been sheltered at a temporary relief centre in the Kanowit sports complex.
Sibu Bomba chief Andy Alie said several low-lying areas in Kanowit were under one metre of water from 6.30am on Friday (March 21). This includes Kanowit bazaar, Kampung Hilir, Jalan Kanowit-Durin, Jalan Kapit-Song, and Jambatan Poi.
The Durin Bridge, which connects Sibu to Kanowit and other areas, is also badly affected by the flood, as it is only accessible by heavy vehicles. This is because the road leading to the bridge is under several feet of water.
