BINTULU : Flash floods triggered by the northeast monsoon forced the evacuation of 41 residents from two rural villages in Ulu Sebauh early today as water levels continued to rise and weather conditions remained unstable.
The affected areas were Kampung Olen and Kampung Selanjat, where rising floodwaters inundated low-lying homes following prolonged rainfall.
The situation prompted an early morning response by the Fire and Rescue Department, which confirmed that evacuation operations were still ongoing this afternoon.
A nine-member team from the Bintulu Fire and Rescue Station, led by Assistant Fire Superintendent Francis Aceh Angai, was deployed to the scene at around 3.40 am. The operation involved one fire engine and an aluminium rescue boat, reflecting the challenging access conditions in the affected villages.
Firefighters found that water levels had increased rapidly, necessitating immediate evacuation. Some residents managed to leave the area using their own vehicles while others required assistance due to worsening flood conditions.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre, 18 people were able to make their way independently to the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Suarah Bintulu. Firefighters subsequently evacuated another 12 people using a Hicom lorry from residential houses in Kampung Olen and Kampung Selanjat.
Evacuees have been temporarily housed at the Dewan Suarah evacuation centre. From Kampung Olen, the evacuees comprised six adult men, 12 adult women, and 17 children. Kampung Selanjat accounted for five evacuees, including two adults and three children. No injuries were reported.
As of 2 pm yesterday, floodwaters in the affected areas were still rising, with overcast skies indicating the possibility of further rainfall. Authorities said continuous monitoring was underway, particularly in flood-prone zones, as the northeast monsoon remained active.
The Fire and Rescue Department has urged residents living near rivers and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and to comply promptly with evacuation instructions should conditions deteriorate.
