KUCHING, Feb 19: Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) has urged both the Federal and State governments to immediately address the recurring flood problems in Sarawak in order to reduce the negative impact upon communities and livelihoods.
Its secretary David Hii observed that flooding problems seemed to have worsened as many parts of Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Serian and Lundu were devastated by flash floods today following continuous heavy rainfall since evening yesterday.
“SPA is deeply concerned with this ongoing issue. Just last month, floods have affected many parts in several districts after the continuous heavy downpour that lasted a few days (coupled by the King-tide phenomenon).
“Sarawak and Federal governments need to find the root cause and address this issue immediately as it has caused grave inconvenience to Sarawakians,” he said in a statement today.
Hii emphasised that the flooding problem was a major issue which required urgent attention from the State and Federal governments as the consequences of floods were often quite challenging on communities.
“Property, homes and even crops are destroyed as well as preventing many from going to work. It needs to be tackled immediately as it affects the livelihood of every Sarawakian.
“This will in turn disrupt the economy. People may also get stranded for hours during their commute and this will affect them emotionally. Furthermore, flood water is mainly dirty water which may carry diseases and possibly chemicals,” he added.
SPA thus reiterated its call on the Sarawak and Federal governments to urgently find out the root cause of the issue and immediately implement appropriate measures to mitigate this ongoing problem.
Meanwhile, the unusually heavy downpour since evening yesterday had drenched Kuching and Kota Samarahan with many areas reported to be flooded including Taman Univista which was under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO), Kampung Pengkalan Kuab, Kampung Merdang Lumut, Taman Hui Sing Commercial Centre, Jalan Penrissen near Mile 9, Kampung Sinar Budi, Taman Muara Tuang and Jalan Dato Mohd Musa near Stakan, among others.
It had caused not only inconvenience to commuters stuck in traffic jams and had to reroute due to areas being impassable but also left a trail of damages as vehicles and homes were submerged in waters.
Earlier today, residents in Taman Muara Tuang with the help from Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak personnel were relocated to higher ground while a part of the main road leading to Lundu was reported to have collapsed and many businesses in Kota Samarahan were closed. — DayakDaily
