Sibu division identifies 48 flood relief centres

SIBU, Nov 30 -- The Disaster Management Committee of the Sibu Division in Sarawak's central region has identified 48 flood relief centres that will be activated when the need arises.

Its chaiman and Sibu Resident, Charles Siaw, said today that 25 of the centres are located in the Sibu district, 17 in Kanowit and six in Selangau.

“(Though) these evacuation centres are all ready and can be activated at any time, our main concern right now is compliance with the COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) at the centres,” he said after chairing a meeting on flood management, here.

The current northeast monsoon is expected to bring more heavy rain to Sarawak between January and February next year.

He hoped that those evacuated to the relief centres will give their cooperation to the authorities to prevent the spread of the disease.

A flood evacuation exercise will be held in Selangau next week to finetune the preparations that have been planned by the committee.

Sarawak Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapaee, who attended the meeting as the coordinator of the committee, said Sibu is a low-lying area where continuous rain will certainly cause flooding.  

“But that is not the only thing that we are worried about. Heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of the Rajang River will cause floods in two to three days’ time. We have sought the assistance of our counterparts in Kapit to inform us if the water level rises,” he said.

The committee’s operations room has been activated and members of the public who need help to evacuate can contact 084-317994, 084-315653, 084332581 or 019-8472109.

-- BERNAMA