Floods shut down 64 schools, 7 health clinics despite less rain
KUCHING: A total 64 schools and seven government health clinics were closed throughout Sarawak yesterday due to floods despite less rain compared to the earlier three days of the week.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) secretariat in a statement said the closed schools included 53 mostly in state’s central region - which were affected by high levels of flood water.
“The closure of schools has affected 5,011 students, 713 teachers and 312 non-teaching staff,” said the statement, adding that another 11 schools were closed as thay had been turned into temporary flood evacuation centres.
Meanwhile, the seven closed government health clinics are at Sungai Arip in Selangau, Long Layang (Marudi), Tamin (Selangau), Nanga Taroh (Mukah), Sangan (Tatau), Nanga Tau (Tatau) and Ulu Teru (Marudi).
Another 14 government health clinics were also affected by floods but remained in operation, added the statement.
The improving situation yesterday evening led to seven more evacuation centres being closed, with occupants given the green light to return home.
Six of the centres closed were in Samarahan Division, namely Asajaya Sports Complex, SK Haji Kelali, SK Haji Bujang Rangawan Putih, Majid Kampung Seruyuk, Pusat Sumber PBB Sadong Jaya, and Dewan Mesra Simunjan.
The other closed evacuation centre was at Dewan Salcra Kedup 2 in Serian Division.
As of 5pm yesterday, a total 4,396 people from 1,297 families were still being placed in 24 evacuation centres throughout the state.
They are located in Samarahan Division (one), Serian Division (seven), Sarikei Division (one), Sibu Division (four), Mukah Division (two), Bintulu Division (five) and Limbang Division (four).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is JPBN chairman, took some time off yesterday to visit flood victims at Bukit Arip in Selangau and to assess damage caused by the flood.
Selangau MP Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, was present to receive the visit by Uggah.