Safe and sheltered: Nurse Fransister David checking on Bibiana’s son at Dewan Taman Duranda Emas in Siburan. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/ The Star
KUCHING: When floodwaters rose quickly at Taman Duranda Emas in Siburan near here in the wee hours, residents had little choice but to evacuate.
Bibiana Sikare said her family of seven, including her two-month-old son, were moved in boats by Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) at 2am yesterday.
“The rain started at around 10pm, and by midnight the water had begun rising quickly. My father-in-law called Bomba for assistance because I have a baby,” she said when met at the Dewan Taman Duranda Emas temporary evacuation centre.
Bibiana said the floodwaters were nearly a metre deep outside their house when they were evacuated.
Her family was among 188 flood victims seeking shelter at Dewan Taman Duranda Emas.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah said the state disaster management committee was taking necessary steps to ensure flood victims were cared for.
He said Serian district was badly affected due to heavy rain overnight, with eight centres activated.
He added that the Dewan Taman Duranda Emas shelter lacked toilets and water supply.
“This place was not designated as a temporary evacuation centre because the area had not been flooded before, so we faced some challenges with the amenities, that have since been resolved.
“The Serian district council provided toilets, while the Welfare Department and state disaster committee have provided food and mattresses,” he told reporters after visiting the centre yesterday.
He said the Health Department will conduct checks and isolate those with fever, while the council will carry out fogging to prevent dengue.
Uggah advised those living in flood-prone areas to be alert during the current rainy weather and comply with evacuation instructions.
Meanwhile, the number of flood evacuees at relief centres rose in Sarawak but fell in Sabah as of yesterday afternoon.
In Sarawak, there were 1,172 evacuees from 349 families at 15 relief centres at 4pm, compared to 319 people from 93 families yesterday morning.
In Sabah, the number of evacuees dropped to 503 people from 173 families, down from 633 people from 215 families, Bernama reported.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a severe continuous rain warning for Kuching (Bau and Kuching), Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman (Sri Aman) and Betong (Pusa and Betong).
The latest weather updates are available on MetMalaysia’s official website and social media platforms, the myCuaca app or by calling the MetMalaysia hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
