Kuching Barrage near Pending controlling the flow of tide into Sarawak River. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Jan 30): Sarawak is on high alert as a king tide of up to 6.1 metres is expected to hit tomorrow at 6.49pm, according to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak website.

Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has cautioned residents about the impending high tide tomorrow evening, and assured that the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is closely monitoring flood-prone areas while implementing contingency measures.

“I’ve informed my councillors that tomorrow night, due to the high tide, we will be going around to identify low-lying areas.

“Our staff are already on standby and must be ready for deployment at any time, even during public holidays,” he told reporters when met during a Chinese New Year open house visit at his residence here earlier today.

The 6.1m king tide is also expected on Feb 1 at 7.24pm.

The risk of flooding is expected to increase as the king tide coincides with continuous heavy rainfall across the state, particularly affecting low-lying areas.

This evening at 6.11pm, Sarawak will be experiencing a 6m king tide.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) reported that as of noon today, 6,565 people from 1,792 households across the state have been displaced due to flooding.

A total of 47 temporary evacuation centres have been activated statewide to accommodate evacuees.

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.