KOTA SAMARAHAN: Families displaced by the recent floods in Kota Samarahan are facing not only the loss of property but also the emotional stress of worrying for their loved ones, as floodwater continue to inundate homes in several villages.
At the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) set up at SK Endap, victims spoke of panic, anxiety and resilience as they adjust to life away from their homes.
Hapisah Jumaat, 32, arrived at the centre with her daughter and elderly mother after the water in her village began rising on Thursday.
“At first, I felt calm because floods have always been part of our lives. But this year, it was much worse than last year,” she said when being interviewed by Sarawak Tribune.
Hapisah managed to save her important documents, but household items, including mattresses and electrical appliances, were damaged.
“The water reached waist level. Once it recedes, I want to go back and check on my child’s school items and see what can be salvaged. But there’s so much that might already been lost,” she added.
Despite the losses, Hapisah expressed gratitude for the support at the PPS and hoped the situation would improve soon.
For Siti Ayu Abdullah, 33, she recalled the flood began even before Christmas, receded briefly, and surged again after the New Year.
She described this year’s floods as unprecedented.
“The water rose suddenly and reached my kitchen. My fridge and other appliances are badly damaged. I’ve never experienced flooding like this before,” she said.
Siti, a mother of four, admitted that her main concern was the safety of her children, who are still an infant and school-aged kids.
“We have to stay calm, especially for the kids. They listen and follow instructions during floods because they’ve experienced it before.
“But this time, the water was higher than usual and very frightening,” she added.
Siti also voiced concerns about wild animals, such as snakes and crocodiles that have been spotted in flood-affected areas.
“It’s scary, especially when you have young children at home. As a mother, I need to stay strong and reassure them.
“Even though our school supplies were safe, the thought of water rising to head level is terrifying,” she said.
Meanwhile, Anita Busrah Ali Hassan, 53, recounted the panic she felt when water suddenly entered her house on Thursday afternoon.
“It came so fast, I couldn’t keep up. Water reached ankle level immediately. We rushed to save electrical appliances, close plugs, and salvage valuables, but some things were beyond saving,” she said.
Anita’s children are currently in university, and she worried about their safety as well.
“My eldest is at Technology College Sarawak (TCS), starting the new semester in the hostel tomorrow.
“Another child is at UNIMAS, busy with assignments. I hope they can get back home safely. My mind is here at the PPS, but my thoughts are at home,” she added.
Anita also highlighted the challenges of restoring and cleaning her house after the flood.
“Once the water recedes, there will be so much cleaning to do. From dishes and furniture to electrical items like the fridge, everything needs attention.
“With Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaching, it makes the task even more daunting,” she said.
The fear of wild animals and the unpredictability of the current weather added to Anita’s stress.
Despite the disruption and anxiety, the victims remain resilient. They have salvaged what they could, plan to clean and restore their homes when possible, and continue to support one another at the PPS.
Authorities, including the Civil Defence Force (APM), the Fire and Rescue Deparment (Bomba), have been assisting families with relocation and safety measures.
The experiences of Hapisah, Siti Ayu and Anita reflect the broader challenges faced by flood-affected communities in Sarawak – balancing the immediate need for safety with concerns over property, education, and family well-being.
While the floods have tested their patience and motivation, the victims’ determination to protect their families and rebuild their homes is a testament to their resilience.
As floodwaters slowly recede, these families hope to return home safely, restore normalcy, and face the upcoming months with cautious optimism.
For now, life at PPS SK Endap continues, marked by worry, perseverance, and the shared experience of a community navigating the challenges of natural disasters together.
