By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 15: Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Datu Khirudin Drahman gave assurance the flood situation in several areas in Ulu Baram, Miri, is under control.
Khirudin told reporters this today after the Bomba and Community Solidarity Programme at the Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Station here.
“The water had begun to recede in the affected areas, and no temporary evacuation centres were open,” he said.
He revealed Bomba assets such as helicopters had also been deployed to various locations to deliver food and other aid.
“Normally, we expect hot and dry conditions in September, but what is happening now is the result of an unexpected change in season.
“As for preparations in Sarawak, we are ready now or during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) later,” he added.
Since Sunday (Sept 11), Ulu Baram has been experiencing heavy rainfall which subsequently caused flooding.
Khirudin also emphasised that the flood situation in Ulu Baram could be managed with the cooperation of Bomba and the local community.
Also present at today’s event was Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Meanwhile, the monsoon season typically runs from September to November, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET).
MET, however, predicts that the 2022/2023 monsoon season will begin in November 2022 and last until March 2023.
Based on MET forecasts, heavy rain is expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang from November to December 2022, while the monsoon is expected in Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak from December 2022 to January 2023. — DayakDaily
