KUCHING: Lundu Police Chief, DSP Damatarius Latin, said that the Lundu district has been hit by continuous rain since yesterday, causing many parts of Lundu to be flooded, and the flooding continues today from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm.
According to him, the area flooded was due to high tides and water from the overflowing mountains water.
At press time, he said some flooded area appeared to be receding and the water level of the main rivers especially Batang Kayan is at a safe and controlled level.
Damatarius said that Lundu police are on high alert to monitor the situation.
The flooded areas include Kpg Selampit, Lundu, Kpg Sileng Melayu/Dayak, Kpg Bitokan, Lundu, Kpg Seketi, Kpg Semunin Cina, Kpg Pulo Air, Kpg Senibong, and around Lundu Town.
He expressed relief that no schools were affected, no property was reported lost, and there were no reports of erosion. There were no evacuees, but the police are on standby with other agencies should any flood disasters occur.
Damatarius said that in Sematan, the weather is cloudy and raining. The weather in all monitoring areas is the same, while the water level of Sungai Semapa Sematan is at a safe and controlled level.
Flooding there included Kpg Sebat, Kpg Pueh, Kpg Siru, Kpg Paon, and Kpg Sebako. No schools were affected, nor was there any loss of property or soil erosion. There were no evacuees either.
A police officer and six personnel are on standby with a truck, a van, two four wheel drive, two hilux, a boat, an outboard engine, and five life jackets. Assisting them are four firemen and five APM personnel.
Damatarius assured that all agencies are ready to face flood disasters if they occur, even though the weather is still rainy and flooding is expected.
He also advised the community leaders and village heads to report to him immediately or to the IPD Operations Room if the water level rises in their respective areas.
By Connie Chieng