SEBAUH: Residents in flood-affected areas, particularly in Ulu Sebauh, have been urged to remain vigilant, comply with instructions from authorities and be prepared to evacuate should conditions worsen following an unprecedented flood that has inundated parts of the area.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development who is also Kemena Assemblyman, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the flooding was unusual, with water levels rising to their highest recorded point and entering residents’ homes, marking the first such occurrence in the area.

He said the situation, which has persisted for three days, was driven by continuous rainfall combined with high tide conditions, adding that while water levels had shown a slight decrease of about two to three inches as of Monday, the situation remained unpredictable.

“Water levels may rise again later in the afternoon due to high tide, especially if rainfall continues,” he said speaking to reporters after inspecting the flood situation at Rumah Raymond Plen in Sungai Gelam, Ulu Sebauh on Monday.

According to him, although areas such as Segan and Silas have seen some improvement, access to several longhouses and villages remains cut off, limiting full access to affected locations.

He said the situation has necessitated the evacuation of residents to temporary evacuation centres at Sebauh Community Hall and Sebauh National Secondary School, which are currently sheltering hundreds of flood victims.

“If conditions deteriorate further, the authorities will identify additional locations to be activated as evacuation centres,” he added.

Dato Sri Dr Stephen also advised residents to evacuate immediately when instructed by authorities to avoid safety risks, particularly those related to electricity supply and fuel use during floods.

He stressed the important role of community leaders and village heads as key coordinators in relaying information and assistance needs to the District Office and the Bintulu Division Disaster Management Committee.

At the same time, the public was reminded not to spread unverified statements that could cause confusion, especially on social media, and instead to fully cooperate with ongoing disaster management efforts.

Also present were Bintulu Division Disaster Management Committee chairman and Bintulu Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, Sebauh District Officer Thaddeus Ling and Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Collin Patan. -UKASnews