Jabu (fourth left) inspecting the mobile cubicle that will be used by families at evacuation centres.

KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu is confident that there will be no flood in the state, as the weather is expected to improve in the next few days.

Jabu, who is State Disaster Management Committee chairman, acknowledged that the people were alarmed because of the heavy rain in Kuching early yesterday that lasted until the afternoon, which had caused localised flooding in certain areas.

“But the good news is, in the catchment and upper catchment in the upper Sarawak River which feed Sungai Sarawak that flows to Kuching, the weather has been comparatively better than what we saw surrounding Kuching,” he told a press conference after chairing the State Disaster Management Committee meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

Jabu explained that rivers were not flooded, except flash flooding in areas such as Kpg Semilang Beradek, Taman Malihah, Samariang and Asajaya caused by excessive rainfall.

“The flash flooding could be due to blocked drainage for which we have directed all the local councils such as Kuching North City Commission, Kuching South City Council and Padawan Municipal Council to ensure that the drains are not blocked.”

He said based on the weather forecast received, the weather was expected to slightly improve today adding “I don’t want to say there will be no rain but it will be better than what it was today (yesterday).” Jabu said as a result of the flash flood yesterday, affected residents in Kpg Sejaie Lot (10 familes), Kpg Sg Nada (eight families), Kpg Tabuan Melayu (five families), Kpg Bako Hijrah/Kpg Bako Ulu (38 families) and Desa Wira (49 familes) were evacuated.

He said those who were evacuated would be asked to return to their respective homes if it is safe for them to do so.

However, he assured that the authorities were fully ready with adequate evacuation centres, food supplies and healthcare for any eventuality.

As schools will reopen on Jan 4, he said precaution would also be taken if flash flooding occurs, adding if that happens school principals would have to report the situation of the schools to the state education director and district officer.

“This is just a precaution, I’m not saying Jan 4 next year will be a wet day. As you know, there are many students who will be going to schools. We just want to advise that if there is any incident of flash flooding, we would like to forewarn the parents about the situation in each of the schools.”