MIRI: Flash flooding triggered by continuous heavy rain and high tide has cut off roads and disrupted traffic in parts of Miri, prompting authorities to open temporary evacuation centres, according to Senadin state assemblyman, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
Lee, who is also Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, disclosed the situation today after visiting affected areas following a working meeting at the Kenyalang Smart City site.
In Senadin, rising floodwaters rendered roads impassable, with even standard vehicles unable to pass.
The flooding occurred after prolonged rainfall, which began on Thursday and continued today, compounded by tidal conditions.
Several other low-lying areas across Miri were also affected, including sections of major roads from higher ground towards the town area, where water levels were seen encroaching onto carriageways.
In response, the Miri District Disaster Management Committee activated three temporary evacuation centres.
These are the Tudan Community Centre at Pasar 4, Masjid Darul Iman in Kampung Tudan Phase 2A, and the Tanjung Batu Pujut Hall.
A number of families have already been relocated to the centres as a precautionary measure.
Lee advised residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and to evacuate early if water levels continue to rise.
He said the rapid onset of flooding was likely exacerbated by continuous rainfall combined with high tide and that drainage issues were also being investigated.
Engineers from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Miri City Council and the Public Works Department have been deployed to inspect major drains, culverts and road infrastructure to identify possible blockages and take immediate remedial action.
Monitoring is ongoing in affected areas as rain continues to fall, with disaster response coordination led by the Miri District Office.
