Sarawak flood evacuees drop to 322 as river levels remain critical

BINTULU, Jan 1 — The number of flood evacuees in Sarawak has decreased to 322 people from 94 families as of this morning, down from 415 people from 123 families reported yesterday evening.

The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) reported that the Bintulu Civic Centre evacuation center now houses 121 evacuees from 32 families.

The Sebauh Community Hall evacuation center accommodates 137 evacuees from 44 families.

The Sri Kemena Hall at SMK Sebauh evacuation center houses 64 evacuees from 18 families.

"There is a downward trend in the number of evacuees at evacuation centers," JPBN said in a statement.

Floods in Sarawak began on December 31 after heavy continuous rain inundated areas around Kuching.

Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage reported that water levels at two stations remained above the danger level as of 7:30 a.m. today.

The stations are Long Teru in Miri and Nanga Lemai B.

Only the Stapang B station in Sibu has exceeded the warning level.

Water levels at nine other rivers are at alert levels but show a decreasing trend.