4WD nearly swept away as heavy rain triggers flooding in Limbang

MIRI (March 7): A four-wheel-drive vehicle was nearly swept away after it became trapped in floodwaters near Limbang Hospital following continuous heavy rain that hit the district last night.

The downpour caused several areas in Limbang to be inundated, submerging a number of main roads.

Among the areas badly affected were the road leading to Kampung Bunga Raya, the residential quarters of the Limbang District Police Headquarters (IPD), the Baitul Iman Mosque area, Jalan Penapak and the vicinity of Limbang Hospital, Taman Damai, Limbang Housing, Jalan Kubong, as well as shoplots and schools in the Limbang town area.

However, the situation was reported to be under control as floodwaters began to recede early this morning.

Limbang Zone Seven chief Ramlan Marajan said water that had overflowed onto roads in the affected areas last night had subsided and the routes were now passable.

“No evacuation was carried out and no temporary evacuation centre (PPS) was opened,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Ramlan added that the Fire and Rescue Department in Limbang had also detected soil subsidence behind the Limbang Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) building.

“Monitoring by the team found that water is still flowing at the subsidence site and the situation is very dangerous as further ground collapse may occur at any time,” he said.

He advised residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant and to evacuate immediately if there are signs of further ground movement.

“The hazardous situation will be reported to the relevant authorities so that immediate action can be taken,” he added.