SIBU: All 11 victims affected by Saturday afternoon’s storm have left the Sibu Jaya Community Hall Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) and are now staying with their relatives.
The PPS was officially closed at 5 pm yesterday (July 19) after all evacuees relocated.
Sibu District Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Major (PA) Mohd Reduan Aini said the PPS, which began operating at 7 pm on Saturday, accommodated only two families before they decided to move in with their relatives after the situation had returned to normal.
“A total of 11 victims from the two households have left the PPS and are now staying with their respective family members. The PPS was officially closed at 5 pm yesterday,” he confirmed when contacted today.
At about 3 pm on Saturday, a storm struck Sibu Jaya, causing severe damage to several houses after strong winds blew off their roofs. Among the affected properties was Rumah Joseph Ason in Ulu Sungai Salim, forcing its occupants to be evacuated to the PPS as a precautionary measure.
In addition to residential properties, the storm also damaged a row of food stalls at Rumah Asap. The Sibu Jaya Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was also affected.
Among the damage sustained by the station were shattered glass sliding doors and glass walls in the lobby, damaged gypsum ceilings, aluminium panels in the machinery parking area, transparent roofing, as well as the lighting and electrical wiring systems.
Despite causing property damage at several locations, the situation was brought under control and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
