MIRI – Alarm bells have been rung throughout Sarawak as a king tide, which may reach 6m in height, is expected to hit the state in the coming days, as the number of flood evacuees rises to 4,222 people.
All relevant agencies, including the Sarawak Rivers Board, maritime authorities and local councils, have been told to brace for even more floods if the king tide does hit the state.
Miri mayor Adam Yii today said his city council has put out the alert to all residents, especially those living along coastal shores and riverbanks.
“The king tide is expected to hit us in the next few days. Its height will be between 5.6m and 6.1m. If there is heavy rain when it hits, the floods will worsen. The water levels will rise to dangerous levels, and for those living near the coast and riverbanks, please be cautious.”
Yii said if needed, city councils will close roads along areas expected to be affected by the tide, and divert commuters to safer routes.
He urged residents to be on full alert every day.
“If they see fast-rising waters, they must alert the council and Fire and Rescue Department, and prepare to evacuate without delay. The greatest worry is that the king tide may come when there is torrential downpours. If that happens, the water volume will surge fast.”
Today, the number of flood evacuees throughout Sarawak has increased to 4,222, comprising 1,127 families from Kuching, Serian, Samarahan and Miri.
The state Disaster Relief Committee said the evacuees are housed at 49 flood relief centres in the four districts. The worst-hit district is Kuching.
Sarawak is facing the full force of the landas season now, which is the equivalent of the monsoon in the peninsula. – The Vibes, January 15, 2021
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