Heavy rain, thunderstorms forecast across Sarawak today (Dec 9)
by Galileo Petingi · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 9): Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds have been forecast for the southern and northern parts of Sarawak this afternoon until 6pm, with floods anticipated until 11pm.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in an update, said the weather would affect Kuching (Bau and Kuching), Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong (Pusa, Betong and Saratok), Sarikei (Pakan and Julau) and Limbang.
Sarawak has been placed on full alert due to the northeast monsoon, with MetMalaysia issuing an alert-level continuous rain warning.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) also indicated that the end-of-year to early-next-year period will likely bring wetter-than-average conditions to many parts of the region—especially over the eastern Maritime Continent—alongside warmer conditions region-wide.
As the Maritime Continent forecast covers the eastern half with above-normal rainfall, areas like Sarawak are among those more likely to see increased rainfall during this period.
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) said floods have been forecast in Kuching and Miri divisions until Tuesday evening at 11pm.
Floods have already been reported in Kanowit, Bintulu and Miri. A temporary relief centre (PPS) has been opened at Dewan Suarah Bintulu, accommodating evacuees from Kampung Kemunting and Rh Roselind Suang earlier this morning.
In Miri, Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) rescued four individuals after their vehicle was trapped in rising floodwaters at Jalan Penerangan, Sepupok in Niah.
Bomba teams are also monitoring Sungai Melanun in Kanowit, where water levels remain at a precautionary level.