Sarawak readies shelters, food supplies as floods displace 1,347 people; disaster staff on standby till January 5.
KUCHING: Authorities in Sarawak have mobilised extensive disaster relief preparations capable of supporting up to two million people as the state faces intensifying monsoon conditions, according to Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
During an inspection of food supply facilities in Kuching on Saturday, Nancy announced that distribution centers have been activated across the state, with the highest concentration in Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, and Limbang, as well as interior rural areas.
“Our preparations include adequate food stocks and emergency accommodation to serve two million evacuees if necessary,” Nancy stated. “We have reached full operational readiness for whatever lies ahead.”
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She confirmed that all personnel from welfare and disaster response agencies in Sarawak have had their leave suspended and are on standby for immediate deployment.
The current flood situation has affected 1,347 people across the state, with twelve evacuation centers now operational, according to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee.
Kuching district reports the highest number of victims, followed by Samarahan in the south and Lawas in the far north.
In Kuching alone, flooding has affected 284 residences, displacing 1,124 residents.
Both the Malaysian Meteorological Department and state disaster authorities issued alerts on Friday warning that a monsoon surge combined with high tides could persist until January 5, potentially exacerbating flood conditions throughout Sarawak.
“Weather patterns show a monsoon surge affecting Sarawak through January 5, which may produce very heavy precipitation statewide,” Met Malaysia reported.
“The surge is also forecast to generate rough seas in adjacent South China Sea waters. Coastal communities and maritime operators should exercise extreme caution.”
The State Public Communications Unit relayed warnings from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee about approaching high tide conditions that could compound the flooding crisis.
“High tides coinciding with the monsoon surge may aggravate flood situations across Sarawak. Residents in flood-prone areas should be ready to follow evacuation orders when issued,” the Unit advised.
Sarawak is currently experiencing the peak of monsoon season.
