FLOODS WORSEN IN SARAWAK
57 schools in 13 districts closed
DESPITE clear skies in most parts of the state, the number of schools closed due to the ongoing floods continues to rise. The state Education Department was forced to shutter 57 schools in 13 districts — up from 53 schools yesterday.
The schools are in Sibu, Selangau, Limbang, Dalat, Bintulu, Baram, Serian, Julau and Sebauh.
The department’s spokesman said 6,274 pupils were affected by the closures.
“Some of the schools were closed after roads leading to their areas were inundated by floodwaters.
“Some schools were ordered temporarily closed after floodwaters inundated academic and non-academic blocks. The situation is unsafe for children and teachers,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, eight primary schools and a secondary school had been turned into flood evacuation centres.
They are SK Kampung Mang, SK Tanah Puteh, SK Bukit Arip, SK Pengkalan Sorak Melayu, SK Kuala Serupai, SJK(C) Tong Ah, SJK(C) Cheng Hua and SMK Julau No 2.
As for evacuees, the state Natural Disaster Management Committee secretariat said 4,444 people from 1,383 families were taking shelter at 24 flood relief centres.
Bintulu registered the highest number of evacuees at 1,532 people, followed by 1,201 in Serian and 1,175 in Sibu.
The rest of the evacuees are housed at relief centres in Kota Samarahan, Mukah, Limbang and Sarikei.
A state Drainage and Irrigation Department spokesman said the water levels of rivers in Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang had surpassed the danger mark.