Heavy rain triggers flash floods on Sibu’s outskirts
SIBU: Days of torrential rain has triggered flash floods at several areas near here – namely Taman Desa Kemuyang, Kampung Bahagia Jaya at Teku, and Kampung Jeriah at Oya Road.
However based on information obtained from the divisional Civil Defence Force (APM), the situation is still under control.
It is believed that the flash flood that hit Taman Desa Kemunyang yesterday was due to clogged drains, while the heavy rain caused water levels to rise at Lorong Bahagia Tengah 6 in Kampung Bahagia Jaya.
As at 11.50am yesterday, Kampung Jeriah was still experiencing flood, which is also believed to have been caused by clogged drains.
Meanwhile, the water level at hydrologic observation stations of Nanga Lemai B in Balingian under Mukah Division, Muput in Tatau ( Bintulu) and Merurung in Baleh ( Kapit) breached the ‘Alert’ level yesterday, announced the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage ( DID).
Based on the latest waterlevel data posted online via http:// publicinfobanjir.water. gov. my/ View/OnlineFloodInfo, Sarawak is on the ‘Alert’ list with Pahang, while Johor is under ‘Warning’.
As indication, ‘Alert’ means a water level reading of 3m at any observation station, which is above the ‘Normal’ line of 2m.
If the reading reaches 3.3m, it is ‘Warning’ level, while a reading of 4m means ‘Danger’.
Nevertheless, DID Sibu divisional engineer Ting Sing Kwong observed that the water level in Batang Rajang was still normal yesterday.
“There is, however, heavy rainfall at the Sungai Merah area,” he said, adding that the amount of rainfall recorded on Nov 29 there was 90mm.
Elsewhere in Selangau yesterday, the water levels in all major rivers had risen but were still below ‘Alert’.
The district officer Christopher Ranggau Unting told The Borneo Post yesterday that the water level had risen slightly since Tuesday.
“Rainfall has been moderate and we are monitoring the situation closely,” he said, while reminding residents near riverbanks and lowlying areas to remain vigilant and be prepared for possible evacuation should the water level breach the ‘Alert’ line.