Evacuees at Niah relief centres swell as floodwaters persist

MIRI (Dec 10): The number of evacuees taking shelter at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Niah continued to rise overnight as floodwaters remained high in several low-lying areas.

As of 8am today, SMK Suai PPS recorded the highest number of evacuees with 89 individuals. SK Angus is sheltering 13 evacuees from three households, while the Miri Red Crescent (MRC) PPS is accommodating 35 evacuees from seven households.

Meanwhile, Batu Niah fire station chief Rary Binjie said water levels in most of the affected villages were still high this morning, although the weather had improved.

“There is no more rain, but it will take some time for the floodwaters to recede,” he said, adding that firefighters would continue to monitor and patrol all affected areas to ensure public safety.

He advised villagers, particularly those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, to remain alert and move to higher ground should water levels rise to dangerous levels.