MIRI – Continuous heavy rainfall since Tuesday has caused significant damage to infrastructure in Niah, prompting Miri Division Resident and Chairman of the Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee (JPBB), Galong Luang, to personally inspect the affected areas on Thursday.
The downpour led to the collapse of Keriuk Road near Sungai Manong, cutting off access routes and disrupting water supply for local residents.
The inspection began at around 3.55 pm, where Galong was briefed by Wellesley Wasley, Assistant Engineer from the Miri Public Works Department (JKR), on repair works. The damaged road is expected to be restored within two days.
At the same time, Deddy Effendy Wen, Civil Engineer from the Miri Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), explained that temporary water pipes were being installed to provide immediate relief to residents who had been without water for two days. Permanent pipes will be reinstalled once road repairs are completed.
Galong emphasised that the temporary measures were crucial to ensure water supply could be restored quickly. He noted that JBALB’s intervention would help stabilise the situation until full repairs were finalised.
Earlier, Galong visited the SMK Suai Niah Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS), where he met 55 heads of households representing 116 flood victims. The group included 46 men, 70 women, six infants, 31 children, 18 senior citizens and one disabled individual.
He expressed gratitude to the District Education Office (PPD) for allowing the school to be used as a PPS, highlighting the strong cooperation received during the emergency response.
“There were 116 victims earlier but now there is an increase because the water situation is still stable, there is no sign of a decrease and I am worried that if the rain continues, the number of victims will increase in the PPS in the Subis area,” he said.
Galong urged residents to prioritise safety and avoid unnecessary risks, particularly when river levels rise. He stressed that precautionary measures were vital to prevent further casualties.
Among the evacuees was Dayang Saniah Awang Sadan, aged 66, who recounted her family’s sudden evacuation. She explained that rising water levels forced her and three siblings, including an elderly sister, to leave their home urgently.
“I looked outside the window, the water had risen to the edge of the wall, that’s why we had to evacuate suddenly. My elderly sister was lifted out first, while I and my men also moved and helped lift the heavy things,” she said.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rural communities in Sarawak during the monsoon season. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, with repair works and relief efforts underway to support affected residents.
