MIRI – The mighty Sg Baram and its several tributaries in interior northern Sarawak have overflowed their banks, causing widespread floods in the districts of Marudi and Baram.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) ground coordinator for Sarawak, Jok Jau Evong, today said the floodwaters are rising rapidly and spreading inland, cutting off access to Marudi.
“The downpour goes on for hours at a time and we are facing rising floods now.
“The entire town of Marudi is flooded, with blocks of shops and a supermarket has been forced to close.
“Villages and longhouses outside of Marudi town are inundated as well as the riverine settlements along Sg Baram, Sg Tutoh and other tributaries.”
The roads leading into and out of Marudi town are inundated, with some parts seeing waters almost 1m high.
“Villagers in the outskirts are calling for help. Their plights have also been made known to the Fire and Rescue Department, and Civil Defence stations.”
Jok is a native of Baram and his SAM office is in Marudi town.
Information from Marudi Fire and Rescue station and Civil Defence Unit showed that the badly hit flooded areas are Marudi town, Kg Dagang, Kg Baru, Kg Ridan, Kg Narum and others.
Several rescue teams have been deployed to populated areas to check on the villagers.
In the meantime, authorities are also checking on the plight of flooded schools where there are hundreds of pupils.
According to information from ground teams, at least 17 schools have been flooded in Marudi and Baram.
Among the affected schools with bigger student populations are SMK Tutoh Apoh, SK Benawa, SK Long Bemang, SK Long Ekang and SK Long Panai.
The State Disaster Management Committee in Kuching has yet to disclose updates on whether evacuation operations are to commence. – The Vibes, January 28, 2022
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