Evacuation centres on standby in Kakus

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Flood waters surround SK Kuala Muput.

Flood waters surround SK Kuala Muput.

SIBU: A total of 10 evacuation centres are on standby in Kakus due to rising water levels following heavy rain since midnight yesterday.

Assistant Minister of Local Government Datuk John Sikie Tayai, who is Kakus assemblyman, said the people have been asked to prepare for evacuation.

“They are advised to be prepared and follow the authorities’ instructions when evacuation becomes necessary. So far, there are no evacuations. Longhouse chiefs, ketua kampung and kapitan have been advised to report to the operations room so that immediate action can be taken,” he said when contacted.

“The water level is being monitored closely and evacuation centres are already set up.”

He said schools such as SK Kuala Penyarai, SK Keseng, SK Nanga Tau, SK Kila Muput and SK Tayai are prone to flooding, along with Pekan Tatau, Kampung Dagang Tatau, Kampung Baru Tatau, Lubok Kubung Kakus, Rumah Ado and other low-lying areas.

The Tatau emergency centre at the Tatau District Office Tatau is open from 8am to 5pm daily and can be contacted at 086-584617.

Meanwhile, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu divisional engineer Ting Sing Kwong said the situation in Selangau town was normal yesterday.

However, Rumah Jugah recorded 57.5 millimetres of rainfall while Sungai Arau had 53 millimetres.

There was heavy rain along the whole catchment of Mukah River last Saturday, causing the river to burst its banks and forcing the authorities to evacuate 59 residents.