SIBU: It is a busy day for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) in the central region as continuous rainfall has caused flooding in several areas here.
Not only do they have to evacuate victims from flood-affected homes, but they also need to monitor river water levels as a precautionary measure.
Early this morning, Bomba Sibu Jaya received an unexpected request when a family arrived at the station in a van, seeking assistance with accommodation as their house had been flooded.
“A husband and wife, along with their five school-going children, sought help as their home at Jalan Kong Yit Khim was inundated and inaccessible,” the department said in a statement today (March 21).
The victims were then transported to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Dewan Komuniti Sibu Jaya.
Meanwhile, the Kapit Fire and Rescue Station received a call at 6 am from residents of Rumah Ekau, Sungai Senawang, Jalan Sibu-Kapit, involving four individuals requesting evacuation.
“Upon arrival at the reported location, it was found that a private house was flooded, with water rising to four feet in the yard, nearly reaching the house floor, approximately half a foot high.
“The access route to the victims’ home was submerged, and the fire brigade used a resident’s boat to reach the location.
“There were four occupants in the flooded house — three adult men and one adult woman –who requested to be relocated to a relative’s home nearby,” the department said.
The fire department in the central region, in collaboration with other agencies, has been working tirelessly since yesterday (Mar 20) to evacuate flood victims, including those in Kapit, Song, Kanowit, and Sibu.
Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie, when contacted by the Sarawak Tribune, said that water levels were showing an increasing trend.
“This is due to the rivers in Kapit, Song, and Kanowit still being at high levels, with the possibility of overflowing into Sibu’s market area by midday.
“As of this morning, several low-lying areas, particularly along the riverbanks, have experienced rising water levels due to heavy rainfall and the king tide phenomenon,” he said.
He advised residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, follow the authorities’ instructions, and evacuate immediately if required.
“We will continue to monitor the flood situation and provide updates from time to time.
“The public can obtain official information through Bomba Sarawak’s official channels, local authorities, or by calling the emergency hotline 999 for immediate assistance,” he said.
