KUCHING: Rain is expected to fall in Kuching, Samarahan, Limbang, Miri, Kapit and Mukah this afternoon, says state Meteorological Department.
According to a spokesperson, the other parts of the state are also expected to experience showers in the afternoon.
The Meteorological Department had issued heavy rain warning (orange level) for Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu which is expected to continue until today (Jan 20).
Meanwhile, the state Marine Department tide table had predicted high tide of 10.6 metres at 5pm today, that could potentially cause flooding if the water level at the upstream of the barrage is high.
A check with the Kuching Barrage at around 11am concluded that the water level was normal due to low tide at 5.4 metres.
On another note, the number of people evacuated due to flood as of 8am had increased to 6,952 people from 1,689 families.
A spokesperson from the National Security Council operations room said the affected flood victims were being sheltered at 41 flood relief centres throughout the state.
The operations room also received reports that 14 schools were closed due to flood in the state.
In Kuching, a total of 4,269 flood victims from 1,018 families were evacuated to 24 relief centres throughout the city.
As for Samarahan, the flood victims evacuated were 1,729 from 416 families. They are currently being sheltered at 13 evacuation centres.
The number of flood victims in Mukah remained at status quo, with two relief centres still in operation to cater for 189 people from 66 families who were evacuated.
In Limbang, a total of 765 victims from 189 families were evacuated to three relief centres.