Flash floods hit parts of Kuching after hours of heavy rain, traffic slows on waterlogged roads

Flash flooding along Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in front of Sarawak General Hospital on March 10, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 10: Several areas in Kuching were hit by flash floods this morning following continuous heavy rain, with rising water along key roads causing traffic congestion as vehicles slowed to pass through affected stretches, though cars were still able to get through.

Among the areas affected was the stretch along Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in front of Sarawak General Hospital, where floodwater covered parts of the road, forcing motorists to reduce speed while navigating the inundated section.

Monitoring by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) found that several flood-prone locations experienced rising water levels after heavy rain that began as early as 6.30am and continued for more than three hours.

Flash flood reported in Jalan Mendu on March 10, 2026.

Among the areas monitored were Jalan Mendu, Jalan Kampung Simpang Tiga, Kampung Kudei, and the Kuching Waterfront along the Sarawak River. Authorities reported that while water levels were rising in some locations, the situation remained under control.

In other parts of the city, including Tabuan Dayak and the Sungai Laru area in Tabuan Laru, patrol teams reported no significant increase in water levels during their inspections despite the continued heavy rain.

Meanwhile, in areas under the Petra Jaya zone such as Kampung Gersik, Siol Kandis and Jalan Astana, drains were observed to have overflowed into several residential compounds due to the downpour. However, no evacuation of residents was required as river levels remained within the normal range.

Flash flood reported in Jalan Kampung Simpang Tiga on March 10, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) issued a thunderstorm warning at 8.50am today, forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in several areas in Sarawak including Kuching, Serian, Kota Samarahan and Sri Aman until 1pm.

According to METMalaysia, the warning is issued when there are signs indicating thunderstorms with rainfall intensity exceeding 20 millimetres per hour that are imminent or expected to occur for more than an hour.

It added that a thunderstorm warning is a short-term alert valid for a period not exceeding six hours for each issuance.

Authorities have advised residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures should water levels continue to rise if the rain persists. — DayakDaily