KUCHING, Feb 8: Selangau has been severely hit by floods with some longhouses totally submerged in floodwaters except for the roof.
As of yesterday, as many as 948 flood victims have been evacuated to nine different evacuation centres in Selangau .
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira said the places suffering severe floods are Jalan Ng Tajam, near Stapang; Batang Mukah; Balingian; and Ulu Arip.
He said the longhouses by Batang Mukah in Selangau were very badly hit where floodwaters have reached the roof of the longhouses.
“The floodwater levels in the area have been very high for the last three days. Today is the fourth day and we hope the floodwaters will subside.
“The three schools in the area namely SK Ng Rau, SK Ng Kua and SK Ng Selangau are all under water. Meaning, floodwaters are up to the roof,” Gira told DayakDaily.
As for the longhouses at Jalan Ng Tajam, he said the floodwater level has reached the longhouse floor.
“Floodwater has also covered Jalan Ng Tajam, resulting in about 1,000 longhouse residents been stranded,” Gira said.
He said in Balingian area, a few longhouses also suffered severe flooding but today, the floodwater level has receded.
“For Ulu Arip, there are six longhouses where physical connectivity has been cut off. About 400 people are now stranded,” he said.
Gira who has been on the ground to check on different flood sites and at the Selangau Operation Room said yesterday, the part of Sibu-Selangau Road near Dijih Junction was inundated by floodwater.
“I was told that even lorries were unable to cross the flooded part of the road,” said Gira.
The first term assemblyman said assistance has been sent to all the flooded areas with the help of personnel from the State Disaster Management Committee, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Department and the army.
“All necessities such as blankets, partitions, food, and drinks have been sent to all affected areas.
“At the evacuation centres at SK Tong Ah and Selangau Multipurpose Hall, the army is also helping to cook to prepare food for the flood victims,” said Gira. — DayakDaily
