KUCHING: Relentless heavy rainfall since Tuesday afternoon has led to flash floods in Padawan last night (Jan 16).
Civil Defence Force (APM) Kuching district officer Major Wan Khairul Zakwan Wan Tajudden said three response teams were swiftly dispatched to monitor 12 flood-prone locations throughout the night.
The affected areas are Kampung Simboh, Kampung Punau, Kampung Segu Bunuk, Kampung Sumur Bunuk, Kampung Sungai Sikog, Kampung Bratan, Kampung Tabuan Dayak, Jalan Hospital, Jalan Padang Merdeka, Kampung Seberang Bako Hulu, Kampung Senari, and Kampung Sejingkat.
Of these, two villages, namely Kampung Simboh in Padawan and Kampung Sungai Sikog in Siburan, experienced flash floods at 7 pm.
“Flash flood in Kampung Simboh occurred due to heavy rainfall and a clogged river thus, affecting four houses. The situation is now under control with water levels subsiding.
“Meanwhile, in Kampung Sungai Sikog, seven houses were impacted by the floods and the water levels are reportedly receding,” he said.
As for the other locations, floodwaters had overflown onto the road and vehicles are still able to pass through.
Wan Khairul assured that water levels in most areas have dropped, with some roads still flooded, as of early this morning.
The response teams advised residents to remain vigilant for any sudden rise in water levels and to evacuate promptly to temporary evacuation centres (PPS).
Residents were also cautioned against approaching electricity poles or risky areas during flash floods.
Members of the public have been urged to contact MERS 999 or the APM Kuching operations control centre at 082252940 and 082252941 for assistance.
