KUCHING, Dec 25: Residents living in low-lying areas in Kuching, Serian and Samarahan Divisions have been advised to be ready for evacuation as directed by authorities with potential continuous heavy rain expected to hit next week.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has issued this warning following the Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) advisory last Wednesday of the possible occurrence of continuous heavy rain in the western parts of Sarawak from Dec 27 to 30.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged people especially living in the first division comprising Kuching, Bau, Serian, Lundu, Sematan, Samarahan to heed the warning by MetMalaysia and take precautionary measures.
MetMalaysia said that based on an analysis of the weather system, it forecast a monsoonal surge from Dec 27 to 30 which could cause continuous heavy rain in western Sarawak as well as eastern Johor and eastern Sabah.
A monsoon surge is a cold wind from Siberia that causes strong winds and rough seas in the South China Sea.
MetMalaysia also advised members of the public planning a trip to these areas to remain vigilant and keep abreast of the situation.
It also assures to continue to monitor the weather situation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will issue Continuous Heavy Rain Warning and Thunderstorm Warning when circumstances require. — DayakDaily
