KUCHING: Longhouses, villages including schools affected by the floods need to be relocated on higher ground to avoid similar disaster in rural areas.
Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said longhouses, villages and schools in his area has been experiencing floods over the past two to three days due to the heavy rain and incessant rain in the area and upriver.
“I know about what is happening here. Areas like Sungai Tutoh, Sungai Apoh and Sungai Baram have experiencing flood these last few days due to heavy rain in the area and up river.
“Longhouses, villages including schools are affected by it. Even Long Lama and Marudi are affected by the flood,” said Gerawat.
He noted that respective District Disaster Committees in Marudi and Lg Lama, together with the Divisional Disaster Management Committee are monitoring the situation very closely.
In addition, he said the committees have advised those affected to be on the alert and keep in contact with the respective district offices in their area.
“I am constantly in touch and get updates on the flood situation on the ground by the District Disaster Management Committee in Marudi and Long Lama.
“This seasonal flood during rainy season is a frequent occurrence due to the forces of nature.
“The only long-term solution will be for the affected longhouses and schools to be relocated to higher ground to avoid this in the future,” he said.
The Marudi Disaster Management Committee has started sending food aid to the affected villages which are cut off from town due to the flood, he added.
He expressed confidence that all the government agencies involved in the Divisional and District Disaster Management Committees will continue to discharge their tasks and responsibilities well as in the past so as to assist those affected by the flood.
