‘We had little time to react’: Residents recall harrowing Tmn Duranda Emas floods

SERIAN (Jan 9): Residents of Taman Duranda Emas in Siburan have recounted harrowing moments of panic after floodwaters rose rapidly twice in a single day, forcing families to evacuate in the early hours of the morning.

For 24-year-old mechanic Andycole Bartheiz Ugi, the ordeal began while he was at work at a port in Kuching. He rushed home from Demak after learning that his neighbourhood was affected.

“The water initially receded, so we thought it was over. But the rain started again in the afternoon and continued into the night,” he told The Borneo Post.

Andycole said he was jolted awake by his elder sister around 1 am when floodwaters began rising rapidly again. With water surging quickly, the family had little time to react.

“We evacuated at around 4am. The water reached my knees in some areas and thigh-high in others. I didn’t even manage to save my car,” he said, adding that he hoped there would be no further flooding after the incident.

Another resident, 40-year-old Nickson Kasim, who works at the SMK Siburan canteen, said he was caught off guard by how quickly the situation worsened despite noticing rising water levels earlier.

“When the rain last night was non-stop, the water rose at the parking area. We scrambled to lift our belongings, including the fridge, to higher places,” he said.

Once floodwaters entered his home, Nickson’s family decided to evacuate. They switched off electricity, gathered important documents, and packed essential items before leaving.

Residents were informed through the Taman Duranda Emas WhatsApp group that the community hall would be used as a temporary evacuation centre, and evacuation orders were issued overnight.

However, strong currents delayed their movement.

“One of the main obstacles was the strong flow of floodwater. We waited for it to subside slightly before moving to the evacuation centre at about 5am,” he said.

Nickson said floodwaters reached his upper waist at their peak, with even rubbish bins seen floating around the residential area.

Meanwhile, his aunt, 54-year-old Sebai Runi, said she felt a sense of relief after reaching the evacuation centre following hours of fear and uncertainty at home.

“I had mixed feelings — scared and panicked — when the water was rising at the house. But now I feel much more comfortable and grateful to be here,” she said, praising the preparedness and facilities at the evacuation centre, which she described as “tip-top”, she added.