MIRI – Sarawak, already grappling with a Covid-19 surge, now has to contend with massive floods, which this morning inundated many settlements in Bario, Baram, Marudi, Tutoh and the Mulu National Park.
These areas are located in the interior of northern Sarawak, some of them about 500km inland from Miri city.
Berawan ethnic community elder Willie Kajan from Mulu told The Vibes that the waters rose quickly, resulting in severe flooding in a matter of hours.
“The worst-hit areas are Baram, Bario, Tutoh and the Mulu National Park. Major settlements are covered by floodwaters now.
“The Telang Usan bridge is submerged by the overflowing (Baram) river. I have never seen such severe floods happening over just a few hours.”
Kajan, who is a tour guide, said it rained heavily in the early hours of today, leading to the river level swiftly rising.
Settlements along rivers like Sg Tutoh, Sg Baram and Sg Melinau are badly affected, he added.
He said he has yet to get details on the total number of settlements affected.
“From the information I’ve gotten so far, at least 10 villages, like Long Iman and Kg Kuala Tutoh, are seriously affected.”
Baram PKR information chief Dennis Along said according to initial information received, Long Terawan, Kg Tutoh, Kg Melinau and SK Penghulu Baya are among the localities inundated.
“Heavy rain started around 3am today.”
Baram PKR is still trying to contact villagers in remote pockets of the district to determine the latest situation there.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said it received requests for help from villagers along the old Bintulu-Miri highway.
Villagers said flash floods have occurred since yesterday evening.
“Several families living at Batu 8 and Batu 9 along the old Bintulu-Miri highway have been evacuated after their houses became flooded. Our ground units are at the flooded sites,” said the Fire and Rescue Department. – The Vibes, May 20, 2021
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