By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 17: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has once again reminded residents in Sarawak to brace for continuous heavy rainfall from March 18 to March 20, which could trigger flooding across multiple districts.
MetMalaysia issued a persistent rain advisory on March 15 and has since placed several districts under a Waspada (Caution) Alert.
Prolonged downpours are expected to affect Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Kapit (Song and Kapit districts), and Bintulu.
In response, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has also issued an Early Flood Forecast for Sarawak, warning of potential flooding in several divisions.
The forecast was released by the National Flood Forecast and Warning Centre (PRABN) on March 15 at 3pm, following the issuance of MetMalaysia’s rain advisory earlier the same day.
According to PRABN, flooding is anticipated in low-lying and river basin areas across 10 divisions, namely:
1. Kuching Division – Kuching, Padawan, Bau, and Lundu
2. Serian Division – Serian, Tebedu, and Siburan
3. Samarahan Division – Samarahan, Asajaya, Simunjan, Sibuyau, and Gedong
4. Sri Aman Division – Sri Aman, Simanggang, Lubok Antu, Pantu, and Lingga
5. Betong Division – Betong, Saratok, Kabong, and Pusa
6. Sarikei Division – Julau, Meradong, Pakan, and Sarikei
7. Sibu Division – Sibu, Selangau, and Kanowit
8. Mukah Division – Tanjung Manis, Dalat, Daro, Matu, and Mukah
9. Kapit Division – Kapit and Song
10. Bintulu Division – Bintulu, Tatau, and Sebauh
DID warned that flooding could occur earlier or later than expected, depending on actual rainfall patterns in river catchment areas.
Communities living in flood-prone zones are urged to be on high alert and follow all instructions from local disaster management authorities.
For the latest updates and alerts, the public can visit publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my or follow PublicInfoBanjir on Facebook and other social media platforms. — DayakDaily
