MetMalaysia and DID issue red alerts for Sarawak as 200 evacuated from flooded homes in state capital
KUCHING: Authorities have declared a red alert for severe weather conditions in Sarawak as relentless rainfall triggers extensive flooding across the state capital, prompting emergency evacuations of residents.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued its highest weather warning level for continuous heavy rain, effective from 8am today ( December 31) through 11pm tomorrow (January 1).
“Continuous rain is expected throughout Kuching district that is of severe level,” the department stated in its public advisory.
Concurrently, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Sarawak has issued its own red alert as major waterways rapidly reach critical levels following unceasing downpours that began around midnight.
According to DID’s public warning, significant rivers are anticipated to surge beyond dangerous thresholds, creating immediate flood risks for communities located within a five-kilometer radius of these water bodies.
Two primary rivers causing concern are Sungai Sarawak and Sungai Kayan, both of which are expected to breach their banks in the coming hours.
The department has identified more than 20 densely populated residential and commercial zones throughout Kuching that face imminent flooding danger.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department has mobilized emergency evacuation operations in the Batu Kawah state constituency, situated near Kuching’s city center.
Operations commenced late last night and continued through this morning, with approximately 200 residents from the Desa Wira housing estate already moved to designated emergency welfare centers after floodwaters inundated their homes.
The current weather crisis unfolds during Sarawak’s “landas” season – the state’s equivalent to the monsoon conditions experienced along Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast. This annual weather phenomenon typically brings sustained periods of heavy precipitation to the region.
Authorities are urging residents in affected and at-risk areas to remain vigilant, monitor official updates closely, and be prepared for potential evacuation orders as weather conditions continue to deteriorate.
The situation remains dynamic, with emergency services maintaining heightened readiness to respond to additional calls for assistance as the severe weather system persists over the state capital.
