KUCHING: Residents of Batu Kawa areas have expressed deep concerns over the impact of the recent flood on their property.
The aftermath of flash floods is particularly devastating, with essential items such as electrical appliances, furniture, cabinets and beds being severely affected.
On top of the damages, residents have to clean up their homes following the flood which hit their areas on Saturday.
Doris Neclios, a resident of Desa Wira, has accepted the inevitability of encountering floods but finds the aftermath incredibly challenging, especially after witnessing her belongings destroyed by the floodwaters.
“Flood… I have to accept it only. But coping with the aftermath is truly challenging and it pains me to see my properties damaged by the floodwaters,” she told New Sarawak Tribune when met at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Stapok Community Hall recently.
The 61-year-old grandmother said she has been living in Desa Wira for about 20 years and the recent flood was one of the worst she experienced.
“During the recent flood, the flood waters reached my neck level, and my husband, who is on a wheelchair, awaited rescue for three hours amidst the rising water,” she said, while saying that she understands the rescuing authorities might take time to arrive as water levels were high and dangerous.
She recalled that in 2004, shortly after settling in her house, it was hit by flood though the impact was not as severe.
“However, in the past few years, the frequency of flooding has escalated, and my family and I are forced to evacuate to the PPS,” she said.
She hoped the Sarawak government would consider relocating them to safer areas with higher ground to avoid future flooding incidents.
“If the state government wants to relocate us to a better place, I would definitely agree. This is so that we don’t have to face the flood anymore,” she said.
Meanwhile, Anthony Tukang, a resident of Kampung Desa Wira Phase 2 Batu Kawa, said the aftermath of the flood would be to clean the house and the need to replace damaged appliances like refrigerators.
“Last time a similar situation happened when our fridge was affected by the floodwater. We can’t always repair it, it costs us a few hundreds of Ringgit, thus we might as well buy a new one.
“This time, I think our fridge will be damaged again so we will need to look for a new one,” he lamented.
He hoped that some kind-hearted individuals would come forward to assist him and his family in donating a used fridge to ease their burden.
On the flood issue, he hoped that it could be resolved as soon as possible.
“During the flood on Saturday, the water level rose and in my own house, it reached about eight feet.
“There are many shortcomings in terms of safety during floods. It is not that I want to criticise those who are in charge.
“So, if possible, could we request for boats to be placed at our locality. Before the rescuers arrive, we can use the boat to help those who are trapped in their homes first,” he said.
He added that this year, he and his family have experienced flooding twice, once in February and again on Mar 2.
As for a young resident Ziralo of Kampung Desa Wira, she said it is frustrating when there are recurring floods in her area.
“If possible, we hope there will be a better drainage system in Desa Wira here. In my area at Lorong 5J1 for instance, there is no big drain and hence floods often occur.
“Since I was little, and now I am 27 years old, the flood situation has been like this every year,” she said.
She added with ongoing development in the Batu Kawa area, she hoped for enhanced drainage infrastructure to prevent severe floods in surrounding areas.
