MIRI – Villagers in Sarawak’s interior are appealing for state authorities to send food, as their access roads have been cut off by mud and floods.
The Kiput ethnic group in the upper reaches of Long Lama district in the state’s north is worried about the worsening weather.
Community elder Michael Ding told The Vibes today that villagers cannot travel to get food supplies as the gravel roads in the area have turned too muddy.
They are also concerned about the Covid-19 surge in the state, he said.
“There is heavy rain every day, and the (access) roads will get flooded again very soon.
“The people in the interior cannot travel to the towns to get food supplies due to the bad weather, and also due to fears of Covid-19.
“State authorities must use their trucks and lifeboats to deliver food to rural settlements before the floods worsen.”
The State Disaster Management Committee reported that the number of flood evacuees has increased to 212 in four districts.
As at 2pm, there were 212 people from 61 families being housed at community halls in Serian, Samarahan, Song and Tatau districts.
The Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force have deployed teams to flooded localities to facilitate evacuations.
Sarawak is seeing the peak of the monsoon season, which brings torrential rains and severe floods. – The Vibes, February 4, 2021
