KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee is taking the necessary steps to ensure that flood victims are well taken care of, says Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah.
He said the committee machinery swung into action in the early hours of Friday (Jan 9) when floods struck various areas in southern Sarawak following heavy rain.
"Serian division has been badly affected by floods this time, with eight temporary evacuation centres activated.
"The floods were quite sudden because of heavy rain overnight," he told reporters after visiting the Dewan Taman Duranda Emas shelter in Siburan near here on Friday.
Uggah said 15 landslides had been recorded in Serian, while 13 roads were cut off.
He said the Public Works Department has sent teams to clean up and repair the affected roads.
At Dewan Taman Duranda Emas, Uggah said it was sheltering 188 victims from 48 households, who were moved there at 3am.
He said the hall lacked some amenities such as toilets and water supply, but this had been resolved.
"This place was not previously designated as a shelter because the area had not been flooded before, so we faced some challenges with the amenities.
He said the Health Department will conduct health checks and isolate those with fever, while the council will carry out fogging to prevent dengue.
Uggah advised people living in flood-prone areas to be alert during the current rainy weather and comply with evacuation instructions.
"We want to save lives and prevent any untoward incidents. So far, people have cooperated and evacuated when instructed," he said.
He said that police will monitor homes and villages that have been evacuated to ensure security.
