MIRI – Floods in Sarawak’s remote areas continue to inundate longhouses and villages, and destroy crops and farm huts.
The affected localities include the districts of Baram and Marudi, and the subdistricts of Apoh, Tutoh and Tinjar in the northern region.
“The damage is extensive,” Kiput community elder Michael Ding told The Vibes.
“Our crops are destroyed and our farm huts badly damaged by the floodwaters.
“My longhouse in Kuala Tutoh is covered in 2m of floodwaters.
“The families have moved everything to the second floor.”
The flooding, which started three days ago, is the worst so far this year, he said.
“This is the third round of floods this year.
“We may need to relocate our entire longhouse to higher ground.”
He added that welfare authorities are in the process of sending food aid to residents.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (DMC) said the evacuation of flood victims in Marudi is ongoing.
Three relief shelters have been set up in Marudi town. The latest reports from the state Fire and Rescue Department and DMC showed that dozens of people, including children, have been evacuated as of noon today.
Sg Baram and its tributaries have seen their banks overflowing by more than 3m due to incessant rains. – The Vibes, September 6, 2021
