Update — Widespread flooding in Miri due to downpour since wee hours

Kampung Bakam residents being evacuated to safety after their houses were submerged by flood waters.

MIRI, August 1: Miri is facing widespread flooding due to heavy and incessant rain since 2am today.

Fifty-seven people have been evacuated from Kampung Bakam, about 17km from city, after at least 10 houses were submerged in waist-level flood waters. The evacuees are now staying with their relatives.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said no relief shelters were opened as the water level were subsiding.

“Our men are monitoring the situation,” he assured.

Firemen monitoring the flood situation along the Miri-Bintulu road, near Lambir National park.
The long traffic jam along the flooded Miri-Bintulu road, near Lambir National Park.
The section of Miri-Bintulu road near Lambir National Park is still submerged in flood waters, forcing motorists to detour to the Miri coastal road.

As at 12.50pm, the flood waters at Taman Tunku, Jalan Sibu and Kampung Lusut were subsiding too.

In Kampung Bidayuh, 10 houses remained inundated up to waist level as at 1pm.

SK Temenggong Dato Muip, SK Lambir Village, SMK Riam and SMK Taman Tunku in Taman Tunku were also affected by the flooding.

There was a massive traffic jam along Jalan Miri-Bintulu, near Lambir National Park, as it was impassable to traffic. Motorists were forced to detour to the Miri coastal road. But at 1.15pm, the water level was reported to be subsiding.

Law believed the situation would return to normal around 5pm today. — DayakDaily