SIBU: Four schools in the central region were forced to close yesterday due to flooding.
The affected schools were SK Kuala Kenyana, Mukah; SK Bukit Balai, Sebauh; and Sibu schools SK Sungai Siong Tengah and SK Nanga Bon.
SK Nanga Bon reopened on Friday last week but had to close again yesterday as the access road was impassable.
“The access road is inundated compelling the school to close in the interest of the safety of pupils and teachers,” said headmaster Joseph William.
The school has 83 pupils, 12 teachers and three non-teaching staff.
Cars and motorcycles had to be parked on the main road as the access road leading to SK Nanga Bon and a longhouse was completely flooded.
Some longhouse residents resorted to using a longboat to move around.
Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu chief Ting Sing Kwong said flooding on the access road could be due to a combination of its low level and the continuous downpour. Ting said property owners need to do some flood mitigation work themselves.
As for SK Sungai Siong Tengah, flood waters at the access road connecting to the school near a bridge was around two-feet deep and fast flowing, preventing staff from getting to the school.