Flooding forces two clinics to close, 12 others affected
KUCHING: The current f lood situation has forced two health clinics in the state to be closed.
The State Disaster Management Committee disclosed in a statement yesterday the Uma Sambap Health Clinic in Kapit and Kakus Health Clinic in Bintulu had been closed since Thursday.
According to information received from state Health Department, 12 other health clinics – one in Kapit, seven in Bintulu, one in Limbang and three in Miri – are also affected, but they remain in operation.
Meanwhi le, the number of people taking shelter at evacuation centres recorded a decrease yesterday, from 238 people from 78 families at noon to 118 people from 39 families four hours later.
Only four evacuation centres remain open – the Tatau Sports Hall and Sebauh Community Hall in Bintulu, as well as Ukong Community Hall and SK Menuang in Limbang. The ones at Kampung Jabai Community Hal l and Mendamit Community Hall had been closed.
As at 4pm yesterday, 46 schools across the state were reported to be affected by flooding – the majority of which are in Limbang.
However, this does not affect schooling as the students are away for the school holidays.
On a related development, Civil Defence Force (APM) public affairs officer Lt Hafizul Samah said there could be a new wave of flooding coming in, as heavier rainfall is expected this weekend.
He said the Malaysian Meterological Department had issued warning of heavy rain and strong winds for Miri and Limbang divisions today and tomorrow.
He called upon everyone, especially those in f lood- prone areas, to always take precautionary steps such as keeping their personal documents in a high and safe place, and to avoid using electrical appliances during floods to avoid the danger of being electrocuted.
“Also, do keep record of important phone numbers to call during emergency,” he reminded.