JPAM is seen monitoring the water level at Kampung Narum, Marudi since this morning.

MIRI (Sept 16): Floodwaters in Long Lama have begun to recede since this morning, offering some relief to affected residents, but conditions remain dire in Marudi and Beluru where water levels continue to rise.

According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Dewan SJKC Kee Tee, Long Lama, was activated on Monday afternoon (Sept 15) to shelter 61 evacuees.

According to Penghulu Desmond Yap, as of today, about 40 individuals from 16 households remain there.

“The issue the authorities were facing was that some of the household refused to relocate to the PPS. Their refusal could be due to the fact that they were worried about their home’s safety.

“It was frustrating because those who chose to stay behind, help such as food may not be able to reach them easily due to the water still being knee high,” Yap told The Borneo Post.

He explained that the facility provided by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is fairly well-equipped with mattresses and other necessities.

Yap also noted that health personnel are on duty at the PPS to assist flood victims who may face health issues. He therefore urged all affected residents to move to the PPS.

On the flood situation, Yap said that although the water has receded, the roads remain impassable and risky to the public.

Areas still experiencing high water levels include Kampung Long Laput, Kampung Long Banyok, Kampung Logan Sibong, SK Morek, SK Long Laput, SK Long Ikang, and SK Ubong Imang.

Meanwhile, Civil Defence Force (JPAM) officer Lt (PA) Mirwan Shah Masri reported that water levels in the Marudi area are rising gradually.

As of 1pm today, JPAM said that many locations in the district recorded water increases of between two and four feet.

The affected areas in Marudi include Kampung Padang Kerbau, Ridan Feri, Rh Gerinang, Logan Tasong, Kampung Dagang, Rh Jipun, Kampung Baru in Tanjung Upar, Kampung Long Maro, Kampung Benawa, Kampung Narum, Kampung Long Ukok, Kampung Kuala Tutoh, Kampung Long Patan, Kampung Cina in Lubok Nibong, Rh Vincent in Tanjung Upar, Rh James Ansi in Sungai Buloh B, Kampung Long Panai, Rh Glinglong in Sungai Teraja, and Rh Berandai in Linei Bukit.

Schools affected in Marudi include SK Long Panai, SK Pengelayan, SMK Tutoh Apoh, SK Sungai Arang, SK Penghulu Baya Mallang, SK Kuala Tutoh, SK Benawa, as well as Long Panai Health Clinic.

In Beluru district, the report said, floodwaters are also rising gradually, affecting many longhouses and schools.

The affected locations are Kampung Long Sepiling; Rh Joseph, Long Ajoi, Tinjar; Rh Duri, Nanga Lait, Tinjar; Rh Magdaline, Lubok Mulong, Tinjar; Rh Robin, Kampung Long Tuyut; Rh Joben, Long Tabin Hilir; Rh Aji, Sungai Tuyut, Tinjar; Rh Nanga Majang, Tinjar; Rantau Engkuang Teru; Rh Suring, Sungai Bain, Tinjar; Rh Jau Bato, Long Teru, Tinjar; Rh Atam, Long Tisam B, Tinjar; Rh Labang, Nanga Seridan, Tinjar; Rh September, Long Tisam A, Tinjar; Rh Jalin, Long Tisam D, Tinjar; Rh Kelukot, Long Tisam C, Tinjar; Long Tabing, Tinjar; Long Jegan C, Tinjar; Kampung Long Jegan Atas B; Kampung Long Jegan A; Rh Bakit, Sungai Sebubu, Tinjar Baram; and Rh Nazareth Melvin, Rantau Segawa, Sungai Lutong Bakong.

The affected schools and government facilities are SK Long Sepiling, SK Long Teran Kanan, SK Kuala Bok, and Long Teru Health Clinic.