Second evacuation centre opens in Kanowit amid flooding

KANOWIT (Jan 13): A second temporary evacuation centre (PPS) opened at the Kanowit sports complex here today after flooding forced 20 local residents to leave their homes.

Sarawak Disaster Committee Management (SDMC) said the PPS currently shelters 10 families from Rumah Leo and another two individuals from a house in Nanga Lipus here.

“The instruction to open a second PPS was issued by Kanowit District Officer Jackline August at 11.30am.

“Relocation and updating of data of flood victims are being done by the Kanowit District Disaster Management Committee. Information will be updated from time to time,” it said in a statement.

The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomna) said they arrived at Nanga Lipus at 11.15am to assist in relocating the victims, comprising 18 adults and two children.

“The road to Rumah Leo was flooded, making it difficult for Bomba vehicles to access the location about 10 kilometres from Kanowit town.”

Bomba said the firefighters, together with the police and Civil Defence Force personnel, had to walk to reach the longhouse, and upon arrival, the water level was about two feet deep.

“After a discussion, the rescue agencies advised the Rumah Leo residents to evacuate their longhouse for their own safety as the water level continued to rise,” it said.