Sarawak flood evacuee numbers fall further as river levels recede

BINTULU, Jan 16 — The number of flood evacuees at relief centres in Sarawak has continued to decrease, with 322 people from 94 families recorded this morning, down from 415 people from 123 families yesterday afternoon.

The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) reported the figures from three active centres.

"There is a declining trend in the number of evacuees at the relief centres," JPBN stated.

It said 121 people from 32 families were at the Suarah Bintulu hall.

Another 137 people from 44 families were taking shelter at the Sebauh community hall.

A further 64 people from 18 families were at the Sri Kemena hall in SMK Sebauh.

Meanwhile, river levels at most stations are also showing a receding trend.

The Drainage and Irrigation Department reported that as of 7.30 am today, two stations remained above the danger level.

These are the Long Teru station in Miri and the Nanga Lemai B station.

The Stapang B station in Sibu was at the warning level.

Levels at nine other monitored rivers were at the alert stage.

Flooding in the state began on 31 December after several areas in Kuching city were inundated by continuous heavy rain.