KUCHING: More families are expected to evacuate to Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya multipurpose hall should the heavy downpour continue, said Civil Defence Department Kuching officer Lieutenant Shaiful Azril Zainal.
Azril said the families staying at the evacuation centre are from Kampung Batu Kitang and Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya.
A total of 55 families comprising 258 (141 males and 117 females) individuals had moved to the centre as of yesterday afternoon.
“There are 100 persons staying at this centre with some of them opting to stay with relatives and elsewhere,” he said when met at the evacuation centre yesterday. Evacuation took place since 7.15pm on Sunday.
Apart from food rations, blankets and tents for the victims, an ambulance was put on standby at the evacuation centre.
Some of the villagers told reporters yesterday they had been expecting the flood as it occurred almost every year during the monsoon season. They had learned from past experiences, and their priority was the safety of family members.
According to Chomat Obeng, 52, from Kampung Batu Kitang, his family had been ready since the water level in Batu Kitang water plant rose.
“We moved to the evacuation centre with our belongings,” said the Samarahan Public Work Department staff.
Chomat said his children and grandchildren were sheltering at the centre while waiting for the water to subside, so they could go home.
Jaliha Tambi, 57, said her family moved to the evacuation centre since Sunday night after her house got flooded.
“My three children and I packed our belongings early to move to the centre as we know it is about time.”
An old shoplot was also flooded and Sekolah Rendah Chung Hua Batu Kita had to close.
Present to inspect the flood situation yesterday was acting Padawan district police DSP Yap Fui Lee.