People advised to avoid sea, beaches as Sarawak braces from tropical storm *new!

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KUCHING: People in central and northern Sarawak have been advised to avoid marine or beach activities from today to Sunday as the tropical storm Sonamu is forecast to reach the state then.

Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Administration and Public Relations) Datuk Misnu Taha said today the storm was forecast to be about 194km northwest of the state”s coastal town of Mukah by tomorrow and its effect could be felt in the Bintulu, Miri and Sibu divisions.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing the State Security Unit meeting here, he said the Meteorological Department had informed the meeting that the speed of the winds brought by the storm had reduced but it could rise again upon reaching the state”s shores.

“A storm of this strength can cause building roofs to be ripped off and trigger strong waves with heavy rains in these areas,” he said.

He said the disaster operation rooms for the Residents” Offices in the Miri, Mukah, Bintulu and Sibu divisions would be operational 24 hours from today to provide latest information on the storm to the people. — Bernama