Several low-lying areas in Kampung Dagang Tatau and Kampung Baharu Tatau, as well as Hock Lee Garden and Tatau Town were flooded. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit
TATAU (Jan 29): Several residential areas and longhouses in Tatau District were submerged by floodwaters today following continuous heavy rainfall and rising water levels in Sungai Kakus and Batang Anap.
Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong reported that several areas along the banks of both rivers were inundated, with some locations experiencing landslides.
The Tatau District Disaster Management Committee chairman also confirmed that the Rumah Steven temporary evacuation shelter (PPS) had been operating since Jan 23, providing refuge for 34 individuals from 13 families affected by flooding near SK Kuala Muput.
Additionally, he shared that the SMK Tatau Hall PPS was activated at 11am today to accommodate more evacuees.
He also warned that heavy rain is expected to continue, with water levels likely to rise further.
“The water level in Tatau Town is at the Warning Level as reported by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) at 10.20am, with several low-lying areas in Kampung Dagang Tatau and Kampung Baharu Tatau, as well as Hock Lee Garden and Tatau Town, submerged.
“For the record, so far, 1,111 packs of food aid have been sent to areas cut off due to floods,” he said, adding that several roads in Ulu Anap, Penyarai, Kakus, and Sangan have been cut off by flood waters for the past few days.
“Considering the difficult river routes and cut-off roads in areas such as Ulu Anap and Ulu Kakus, we request that food supplies be delivered via air services by the Royal Malaysia Police Air Wing Unit.
“However, we are dependent on weather conditions for this assistance to be delivered.
“I hope we all stay prepared as we are aware of the continuous rain warnings until Jan 30 issued by MetMalaysia, affecting several areas in Sarawak, including Tatau,” Calvin said.