Several districts in Sarawak hit by floods after continuous downpour

An impassable area near Sg Assan Tengah in Dudong with waist-high water in low-lying areas on Jan 18, 2024.

KUCHING, Jan 18: Floods have struck multiple districts in Sarawak, including Selangau, Mukah, and Dudong, following incessant rain since last night (Jan 17).

The Civil Defence Force (APM) Sarawak reported that SK Kenyana in Mukah is experiencing flooding with waist-high water levels, causing the main road, Jalan Tingkas Sebakong, to be submerged.

This has resulted in access to villages in the area, including the school, being cut off.

APM’s 4WD vehicle is unable to continue monitoring the situation in the affected areas as the roads become impassable. As of 3pm today, the water level is reportedly still rising.

In response, school students were advised to return home, while only teachers remain at the school. Residents had appealed to APM to prepare a boat to transport teachers.

Water level is reportedly still rising at SK Kuala Lemai in Selangau on Jan 18, 2024.

A longhouse in Selangau reportedly affected by flood on Jan 18, 2024.

In Selangau, SK Kuala Lemai, within the Sibu Division, is inundated by flood waters, with  water levels ranging from 2.5 to 5 feet.

The school is currently non-operational, and students have been instructed to leave as flood water continues to rise in the school area. APM however stated that the situation in the location is under control.

Rumah Enjup in Tanjung Taroh, near Sungai Balingian of Selangau, is also grappling with rising floodwaters, reaching 3 feet in low-lying areas. However, villagers have access to boats for alternative transportation to reach the Lubok Bukut jetty. APM reported that floodwaters have not yet affected the longhouse structure.

Apart from the above areas, many places in Lubuk Bukut, Selangau, are found to be inundated with waters rising up to 2.5 feet.

The flood situation in Rh Annie in Lubok Bukut, Selangau on Jan 18, 2024.

APM officers transporting dry food rations for longhouse residents near Sg Assan Tengah in Dudong on Jan 18, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Department Sibu has delivered 135 packs of dry rations to residents of Rumah Gendang and Rumah Mai, located near Sungai Assan Tengah in Dudong. The main road to these areas has been cut off due to flooding.

APM has opened a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Balai Raya Kampung Assyakirin in Bintulu at 4pm today to assist those affected by the floods. — DayakDaily