Sungai Bidut experiences heavier-than-usual downpour
SIBU: A total rainfall of 73mm recorded in the Sungai Bidut area here over a 75-minute period yesterday evening last occurred about two years ago.
A source from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation ( DID) Sibu stated that “anything over 60mm is considered as high”.
The downpour, coupled with strong wind, started about 5.30pm and lasted for over an hour, with the town area experiencing only moderate rainfall.
“The hourly rainfall for Sungai Bidut area this evening (yesterday) was about 60mm.
“A total of 73mm of rain was recorded within a 75-minute period (in Sungai Bidut). Such heavy rainfall last occurred about two years ago – a few days before the last state election (in 2016) – with about 100mm of rain within one hour.”
The normal rainfall in the town area is between 20mm and 30mm per hour, he added.
Despite the heavy downpour, there was no report of flooding in the low-lying areas here.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) when contacted, however, confirmed receiving four reports of fallen tree branches.
“There are reports of fallen tree branches at areas in Brooke Drive, Bandong Road, Awang Ramli Amit Road near SK Abang Ali, and Tiong Hua Road.
“SMC Serve Squad has been deployed to rectify the situation on the ground. However, instances where the tree branches are too big, we may require assistance from the Fire and Rescue Department.
“Similarly, if these branches struck a cable, we will require Sesco’s assistance to remove them as we do not have the necessary equipment,” said a council spokesperson.