BINTULU: A pre-dawn surge of floodwaters forced a rescue at SK Kampung Nyalau today as eight people, including primary school teachers, were plucked to safety after being stranded when water cut off the school grounds.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the call for help came at 8:34 am, prompting a rapid response by Samalaju firefighters.
The six-member team manoeuvred through rising water to reach the three stranded families, made up of three men, three women and two young boys, before ferrying them to nearby relatives’ homes.
Clear skies that followed the rain helped steady water levels, allowing firefighters to complete the evacuation smoothly.
The rescue operation ended at 10:00 am.
Over in Miri, Batu Niah firefighters raced against rising waters on Tuesday night to evacuate three families in Kampung Padang Sepupok and Kampung Muhibah, Jalan Saeh, Niah.
Bomba said nine people, including children and elderly individuals, were relocated to safety as floodwaters advanced.
A distress call was received from the Subis District Disaster Operations Room at 6:10 pm following reports of rising water levels despite fair weather.
A family of four in Kampung Muhibbah, all females, including three five-year-old girls, was taken to the temporary relief centre (PPS) at SMK Suai.
Another family in Kampung Padang, consisting of three women, including an elderly member, was similarly relocated.
An elderly couple living in a plantation hut in Kampung Padang Sepupok was also safely evacuated.
The evacuation operation ended at 12:49 am today.
In light of this, authorities are reminding residents to stay alert and monitor weather changes as even brief rain can cause sudden surges, and quick action can make all the difference.
