Over 1,000 evacuated as Malaysian Met Dept warns of severe weather combining monsoon surge with high tides.
KUCHING: Authorities have issued urgent warnings for Sarawak residents as a monsoon surge combined with high tide conditions is forecast to persist through January 5, potentially intensifying ongoing flood emergencies across the state.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has cautioned that current weather patterns indicate a significant monsoon surge affecting Sarawak, with the potential to generate extremely heavy rainfall throughout the region.
According to the national weather agency’s latest bulletin, the surge is also anticipated to create hazardous sea conditions along Sarawak’s South China Sea coastline. Those residing in coastal areas and individuals engaged in maritime operations have been urged to exercise extreme caution during this period.
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Meanwhile, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee has conducted an emergency meeting to address the compounding threat of high tides coinciding with the monsoon surge.
The State Public Communications Unit relayed the committee’s concerns that this convergence could significantly aggravate flooding conditions statewide.
Residents in flood-prone and low-elevation areas have been advised to remain prepared for potential evacuation orders as circumstances develop.
The situation has already prompted mass evacuations, with more than 1,000 people displaced from their homes across multiple districts.
According to the latest reports from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, evacuations occurred throughout the previous night and early morning hours, affecting communities from Kuching in the south to Lawas in the northern reaches of the state.
The state is currently experiencing the peak intensity of the monsoon season.
