MIRI – Non-stop rain in rural parts of Sarawak over the past two days have caused flood waters to have reached almost two metres at several longhouses.
Among the worst-hit villages in the state include Long Bemang and Long Panai.
Long Bemang resident Patrick Peter said the waters almost reached the ceiling of the longhouse ground floor.
“Everyone was forced to move to the upper floor of the longhouse. We carried all the electrical items upstairs,” he said.
Floods also hit the northern Sarawak districts of Samalaju, Marudi, Lawas, and Telang Usan, following a recent spate barely a month ago.
Many settlements were hit as the weather went from bad to worse due to continuous heavy rain.
The rain hit the interior during the night hours and many localities saw flash floods.
Telang Usan state assemblyman Dennis Ngau told The Vibes yesterday that his constituency was badly affected.
“Yes, floods have inundated several settlements today. Among the ones affected include Long Luyang,” he said.
The Long Luyang longhouse is currently under about a metre of water. Ngau said affected residents are currently housed in its upper floors.
In Marudi, Kiput community leader Michael Ding said the water levels at the rivers continue to rise.
“The weather is getting bad again. Some rivers are overflowing already,” he said.
In Samalaju, the coastal road connecting Bintulu to Miri also saw flash floods covering several sections, with small vehicles unable to pass through.
Fire and rescue teams have since been deployed to the affected areas.
So far, no evacuation centres have been activated yet. – The Vibes, October 5, 2021
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