MARUDI, Dec 11: Persistent floods caused by heavy rainfall over the last few days could hamper Marudi residents’ plans to celebrate Christmas and prepare for the upcoming new school year.
The situation on the ground has not improved, with certain low-lying areas under more than one foot of water.
State Disaster Management Committee secretariat head Major (PA) Ismail Mahedin said the floods have not only forced shops in Marudi town to close but may also cause the only gas station in town to shutter if water levels continue to rise today.
Construction work along the Marudi waterfront and Marudi bridge also had to be stopped temporarily.
“A survey conducted by Marudi Information Department at 8.30am showed that the flood water is slowly rising as compared to yesterday. Everyone has been told to stay alert,” Ismail said.
Meanwhile, emergency food aid was deployed to affected areas via express boats, lorries and ships.
“A total of 843 packets of food items such as rice, sugar, salt, instant noodles, coffee, tea, biscuits, canned food and cooking oil were delivered by firefighters, police personnel and the Civil Defense Force,” Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak acting deputy director Tiong Ling Hii revealed in a statement.
The affected areas which received the said aid via lorries and ships are Kuala Tutoh, SK Kuala Tutoh, Lubok Nibong Pasar Lama, RH Asong, RH Lajang, RH Anthony, RH Sumping, RH Rok, Long Patan, Long Pahlo, Long Ukok, RH Malor, Logan Tassan and Stapang A to E.
Over in Beluru, 326 packs of food aid were delivered via Bomba’s Kevlar boat from Marudi covering Lubok Kulat, Nangga Seridan, Nangga Majang, Long Ajoi, Lubok Mulung and Long Sepelling. — DayakDaily
