Heavy monsoon rains cause widespread flooding across Sarawak districts, with evacuation efforts underway.
Multiple districts across Sarawak are experiencing severe flooding following intense rainfall that began last night and continued into the early morning hours of Friday.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department reported in its morning situation update that emergency response teams are actively conducting evacuations from heavily flooded residential areas.
The affected regions span southern and central Sarawak, including Kuching, Bau, Siburan, Samarahan, Serian, and Sibu. Riverine longhouse communities located between Sibu and Bintulu near the central-northern district boundary have also been impacted.
Field reports from fire and rescue personnel stationed at the Sibu-Bintulu border area indicate floodwaters have reached depths of up to six feet at riverside longhouses, including Rumah Senabong.
In the state capital of Kuching, flash flooding approximately two feet deep has affected several densely populated neighbourhoods, including Kampung Baki at Mile 9 along the Kuching-Serian highway, Kampung Betong in Kota Samarahan, and surrounding areas.
Emergency authorities have opened multiple evacuation centres, with dozens of displaced families already receiving assistance and temporary shelter.
The National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre in Putrajaya had issued a weather alert on Thursday, warning residents of expected heavy precipitation across the state.
According to the Centre’s public advisory, Sarawak is forecast to experience continuous rainfall from January 9 through 11, potentially triggering additional flooding events.
The divisions identified as high-risk zones include Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian in the southern region, along with Betong, Sri Aman, Sibu, Mukah, and Sarikei in central Sarawak.
Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant as the state currently faces the full impact of the monsoon season.
