Five more schools inundated as heavy downpour continues in parts of state

The number of schools affected by flood has increased from four on Sunday to nine yesterday following heavy downpour at their respective areas.

The five newly-affected schools are SK Bukit Mawang, SK Sungai Genaan and SK Kuala Binyo in Kemena, Bintulu; SK Bukit Balai in Murum, Hulu Rajang; and SK Ukong in Batu Danau, Limbang.

The four schools affected earlier were SK Kuala Kebulu in Murum, Hulu Rajang; SK Kuala Sigu in Kemena, Bintulu; SK Long Bemang in Telang Usan, Baram; and SK Nanga Balingiau in Ngemah, Kanowit.

A joint press statement by the State Civil Defence Force and State Disaster Management Committee yesterday said of the nine affected schools, three – SK Kuala Kebulu, SK Kuala Sigu, and SK Bukit Balai – were the worst hit.

At SK Bukit Balai, the flood water rose to about six feet and only those in Primary Six are still schooling as usual.

Meanwhile, two incidences of soil erosion were reported to the police on Sunday afternoon.

One occurred at the road leading to SK Sungai Tau in Selangau, but has not affected motorists.

The second soil erosion occurred underneath the Mejat wooden bridge in Hulu Mukah, causing the structure to collapse.

The bridge is the link to seven longhouses, namely Rumah Sebeli, Rumah Pengarah, Rumah Jani, Rumah Uban, Rumah Empawok, Rumah Angga and Rumah Lunchong.