Floods: Pre-dawn evacuation for 49 longhouse folks to Bintulu Civic Centre

BINTULU (Jan 14): Rescuers from the Bintulu fire station were mobilised early today to carry out a special operation to evacuate flood victims from Rumah Roselind Suang along Jalan Sibiyu.

A Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesperson said the operation commenced at 1.30am, involving a total of 49 residents who were relocated to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at the Bintulu Civic Centre.

“Sixteen of the evacuees, including a senior citizen with disabilities and a baby girl, were transported in a Bomba truck while the remaining evacuees made their own way to the PPS using private vehicles,” said the spokesperson.

The evacuees comprised 17 adult men, 13 adult women, 16 children and three senior citizens.

Meanwhile, the police have stepped up security patrols in flood-affected areas to safeguard residents’ property, as evacuations and relief operations continue.

Bintulu police chief Supt Nixon Joshua Ali said as of Tuesday, conditions at all three PPS in the district are under control, with food supplies and basic necessities sufficient for all evacuees.

He called on residents, particularly those living in flood-prone and riverside areas, to remain vigilant and strictly comply with safety instructions from the authorities.

“Stay alert to current weather warnings and evacuate immediately when directed by the authorities.

“Ensure that important documents are kept in safe and easily accessible places to facilitate swift evacuation if needed,” he said in a statement.

Nixon and other officers had on Tuesday visited the PPS at the civic centre, Sebauh community hall, and SMK Sebauh to monitor the situation and check on the flood evacuees.