Continuous rain complicates morning commute for Miri folk as flash floods hit several areas

MIRI (Jan 9): Several areas here were inundated after hours of continuous heavy rain overnight.

Flooded areas included Jalan Miri-Pujut, including in front of Boulevard Pujut, Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri fire station, Taman Bulatan roundabout, Pujut 7, Piasau industrial area, Emart Tudan, Everwin Senadin, Desa Senadin, Lutong Lama, Miri Crude Oil Terminal (MCOT), and areas surrounding the Curtin University Malaysia campus.

Water could be seen overflowing from storm drains onto roads as heavy rain fell, further complicating conditions for road users.

Kampung Lereng Bukit chief Aminuddin Morshidi told The Borneo Post that the situation in his area was still under control.

“We are still waiting for further information from the geologist and Resident’s office for further action. Everyone here is still waiting and hoping for the best,” he said.

Lutong fire station chief Henry Jugah said firefighters were monitoring conditions around Senadin and Lutong Baru.

“So far, the water level has risen and affected roads, but not to the point of needing evacuation. We will continue to observe the situation.

“In the meantime, we would like to remind the public to be cautious of safety to prevent any incidents,” he said in a telephone interview.

Volunteer Rescue Team member Nelson Wong said the group has shared emergency numbers to call in various neighbourhood watch WhatsApp groups.

“We have been doing things in our own small way to remind the public to reach out to nearest Bomba station, such as providing the public the number to call, or simply just lending a helping hand whenever help is needed.

“It is especially important, since last year’s major disaster struck Miri, that all the support is given at times like this,” he said.

Wong also shared the vital numbers of fire stations: Lutong (085-643777), Lopeng (085-422973), Miri Central (085-420991), Marudi (085-755189), and Batu Niah (085-737994).