Photo at the Sarawak River Barrage this evening during the king tide. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Jan 31): The flood situation in most parts of Sarawak eased slightly this evening, with no significant rainfall recorded at the time of writing, even as the region experienced a king tide of up to 6.1 metres at 6.49pm.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak has forecasted another king tide of the same magnitude for tomorrow (Feb 1) at 7.24pm.

While the absence of heavy rainfall has lessened the immediate risk of flooding in low-lying areas, authorities continue to urge residents to stay vigilant.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, and precautionary measures should still be observed.

Earlier today, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that several areas in Sarawak are on high alert due to rising water levels as the state prepares for tonight’s king tide.

“I was told that the people on the ground are worried that the upper part of the river in Bintulu water seems to be rising.

“So are those in Mukah and parts of Miri – however, so far in Serian, the situation has stabilised.

“However, we’ll see how it is tonight – the king tide is expected to be the highest, following the continuous rain,” he told a press conference after visiting the Serian Community Centre evacuation centre here today.