KANOWIT: Twenty-four people, including six children, were evacuated to a temporary relief centre (PPS) after a longhouse and a private house were inundated by floodwaters today (Aug 23).
Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) zone chief Andy Alie said firefighters from Kanowit station were dispatched to the Rumah Leo Ng Lipus area after receiving a distress call at 10.47 am.
Upon arrival, they found that an 11-door longhouse and a private house were flooded with one-foot-deep waters.
In addition, the access road to the longhouse was submerged under two feet of water, making it impassable to vehicles.
“Given the rising water levels, we informed the District Office and the police that a PPS was needed to accommodate the flood victims.
“The Kanowit Sports Complex PPS was opened at 11 am, and 24 residents were evacuated to the centre,” he said.
Andy added that the evacuation operation involved personnel from the police, Civil Defence Force (APM), People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), and the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
