385 evacuated in Sarawak after downpour

 

The animal shelter of the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Kuching was flooded, killing three dogs and a kitten (SSPCA pic)

KUCHING: A total of 385 individuals from 91 families in Sarawak have been evacuated to relief centres following a downpour since last night.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee said the evacuees were being housed at six relief centres in Kuching, Serian and Miri.

It said Kuching was the most affected area, with 357 evacuees.

Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Donna Drury-Wee said its animal shelter here was also affected.

She said the premises were inundated with waist-high floodwaters at about 2.30am.

“We have about 400 animals. Three dogs and a kitten drowned.

Firemen evacuating flood victims from Taman Desa Wira to a relief centre. (Fire and Rescue Department pic)

“Although the floodwaters have started to recede, our fridge, freezer, rice cookers as well as food items and medications for the animals have been damaged,” she said.

In Bintulu, several low-lying areas, including Kampung Kuala Tatau, Kampung Baru, Kampung Jepak, Kampung Kemunting, Rh Layang Sungai Mas and Kampung Sinong, were also flooded but no one was evacuated.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a bad weather warning for several areas in the state until tomorrow. - FMT