By Shikin Louis
SIBURAN, Jan 9: Residents of Taman Duranda Emas were forced to evacuate their homes early this morning as floodwaters rose rapidly following continuous heavy rain and high tide, marking the third major flood to hit the area in over two decades.
By 3am, 188 residents from 48 families had been moved to the Taman Duranda Emas Multipurpose Hall, which was opened overnight to shelter those affected.
Taman Duranda Emas community leader Philip Sungking, 61, said flooding is not new to the area, although severe incidents occur only once in a while.
“This is not the first flood here. Serious floods that entered houses happened in 2001, 2015 and now in 2026. On normal days, flooding usually only affects the roads,” he told reporters at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) here today.
Philip said the floodwaters began rising around midnight, and he was alerted shortly after by phone.
“I came straight to this hall to open it because I hold the keys. Even my own house was flooded — the water rose to more than one foot,” he shared.
He explained that Taman Duranda Emas receives runoff from surrounding hills and neighbouring villages, which flows through a long drainage system into a major river.
“When heavy rain coincides with high tide, like around 4am today, the water rises very fast. But it also goes down quickly.
“At one point, the road was flooded to more than two feet and could not be used,” he explained.
Taman Duranda Emas has 1,979 houses and is home to a multi-ethnic community comprising mostly Iban, Bidayuh, Malay and Chinese residents, with a small number of Orang Ulu families.
According to Philip, this flood is not as severe as the one recorded in 2015, which remains the worst in the area’s history.
He added that before the completion of the Dewan Taman Duranda Emas in May 2023, flood victims from the area were usually evacuated to the Siburan Fire and Rescue Station.
As of today, 188 flood victims from 48 families have been officially registered at the PPS, though the number is expected to rise as some affected residents have yet to register.
Deputy Premier and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who visited the PPS, described the situation in Serian as severe.
He said eight PPS are currently operating across the district to assist flood victims: Balairaya Kampung Betong Kanowit, SK Tanah Merah in Kampung Turong, SK St Peter Simpok in Kampung Simpok, Dewan Taman Duranda Emas, Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Lintang Baru, Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Kerumboi, Dewan Kampung Rimba Padi and Dewan Sri Tok Nan in Kampung Seniawan Jepon.
“Floodwaters have affected multiple locations simultaneously. We have also recorded 15 landslides and 13 road closures, and the Public Works Department (JKR) Serian has deployed teams to clear debris and restore access,” he said.
Uggah acknowledged that the Dewan Taman Duranda Emas was not originally a designated PPS, which caused initial challenges with toilets and water supply.
“These issues have now been resolved, and additional portable toilets will be provided. Food, mattresses and basic necessities are available,” he pointed out.
Health screenings are being conducted at the centre to prevent the spread of flu, while fogging operations are planned to reduce dengue risk.
“This is the first time the hall has been used as a PPS. We will assess whether it should become a permanent evacuation centre and upgrade the facilities to ensure comfort for residents during emergencies,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
