Main road into Senadin inundated by floodwater this morning.
MIRI (Jan 30): Several areas in northern Sarawak have been hit by floods following continuous heavy rain since Jan 28, leaving many residential areas inundated.
In Miri, some of the worst-affected neighborhoods include Senadin, Tudan, Pujut Tanjung Batu, Pujut 1, and parts of Lutong.
Many vehicles were forced to turn back as major roads, including those in Senadin, Jalan Miri-Bypass, and low-lying areas in Tudan, became impassable due to rising waters.
Among those affected was Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, whose home in Senadin was flooded along with hundreds of others in the area.
“When we moved here in 1985, there was no flood. But, when more development comes in, that is when we have flash floods.
“We are surrounded by four big lakes here. The one close to my house is Jumbo lake and every time it rains heavily, the Jumbo lake near my house will overflow and it will cause floods in my area,” he said.
Dennis added that he had contacted the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and other relevant agencies to take immediate action to prevent further incidents.
Dennis securing the rubbish bin at his house from being carries away by the floodwater.
In Bekenu and Sibuti, Deputy Health Minister and Sibuti MP Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said on Facebook that several villages in his constituency had been inundated.
“Residents in Bekenu had started to remove their vehicles to higher ground today as villages such as Kampung Manjelin, Jenggalas, Kampung Dagang/Kelapa and Rh Angus were hit by flood.
“This is the first time I have experienced a massive flood in Bekenu,” he said, adding that he is currently working with the district officer to set up a temporary evacuation center at Sibuti Arena.
In Baram, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Dominic Nyurang Ajang, reported that floodwaters on the Long Lama-Lapok road, which had caused massive traffic congestion earlier this week, have receded.
“I was informed that the road is now passable, however road users are advised to remain vigilant and cautious when travelling using the road especially in this rainy season.
“Do not risk your safety by driving your vehicle in flood. Just turn back and wait for the situation to improve,” he said.
He said the Mamut Junction near Bekenu was also impassable to all vehicles this morning, though conditions improved in the afternoon.
Dominic also received reports of flooding in Long Bemang.
In Lawas, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station chief Clarence D. Primus Tiandun confirmed that, as of this afternoon, there were no reports of flooding in the district.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a danger-level continuous rain warning for Sarawak and Sabah, effective until tomorrow (Jan 31).
Areas expected to experience heavy rainfall include Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sarikei (Meradong), Sibu (Sibu & Selangau), Mukah, Bintulu (Tatau & Bintulu), and Miri (Subis).
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