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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 30: The flood situation in Sarawak has worsened, with the number of evacuees rising to 5,561 people from 1,545 families as of this afternoon.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced that there are now 48 active temporary evacuation centres (PPS) across the State to shelter displaced residents.
The areas affected by the flooding include Bintulu, which has eight PPS; Serian, with 18 PPS; Samarahan, with five PPS; Kuching, with five PPS; Miri, with seven PPS; and Sibu, with three PPS.
In addition to the flood evacuees, one PPS in Miri has been set up for victims of a landslide, and another in Kanowit is providing shelter for those displaced by a fire.
Uggah noted that Bintulu has seen the highest number of evacuees, with the region facing the most severe flooding it has ever experienced.
“SDMC has vast experience in managing flood crises, but this year’s challenges have been especially intense, particularly in Bintulu, which has never faced such extreme flooding before.
“Despite these challenges, the coordination between agencies has been excellent, and the evacuation process has proceeded smoothly,” Uggah said during a press conference after visiting the PPS at SJK(C) Chung Hua Batu Kawa today.
He also took the opportunity to thank the public for adhering to evacuation orders issued by authorities. However, he pointed out that some residents in Bintulu have been reluctant to evacuate, despite being instructed to do so.
“We will continue to persuade them, as these actions are for their own safety,” Uggah added.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Uggah emphasised that rescue teams and agencies are on high alert, and no casualties have been reported so far. – DayakDaily