What challenges are residents facing with rising water levels?

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Residents Face Significant Challenges Amidst Severe Flooding in Kanowit

Continuous heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in Kanowit, primarily caused by the rising waters of the Batang Rajang River. This has inundated large sections of the town and surrounding areas, creating substantial difficulties for residents. Access roads have become impassable, homes and businesses are submerged, and essential services are disrupted, necessitating the opening of an evacuation centre.
Access to Homes and Essential Travel Severely Hampered

The rising floodwaters have rendered key access routes impassable, significantly disrupting daily life and travel for residents. By 10 am, the Penyulau-Lukut access road became unusable, isolating parts of the community. One resident, Peter Nyaiyang from Rumah Winston Kennedy longhouse, had to abandon his motorcycle and walk approximately five kilometres home through waters reaching four feet deep. The depth of the floodwaters also raised concerns for Mr. Nyaiyang about his ability to commute to work in Sibu Jaya.
Businesses Forced to Close Due to Water Inundation

Commercial activities in Kanowit town have been severely impacted, with water levels reaching knee-high in the most affected areas. This widespread inundation has compelled most businesses to cease operations. Furthermore, several longhouses situated along Jalan Nibong Tada, extending towards Nanga Ngemah, have also been affected by the rising water levels, indicating a broad impact across residential and economic zones.
Emergency Services Respond to Stranded Hearse

The severity of the flooding was highlighted by an incident requiring the intervention of emergency services. At 3:32 pm, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) was alerted to a hearse stranded in floodwaters along Jalan Rantau Kemiding. A rescue team was dispatched, utilising a boat to safely transport the coffin to its intended destination at Rumah Joseph, underscoring the challenges faced even during critical moments.
Evacuation Centre Established for Affected Residents

In response to the escalating flood situation, authorities have established a temporary evacuation centre to provide shelter for affected residents. The Kanowit District Office, in conjunction with the Kanowit Fire and Rescue Station (Bomba), decided to open a Public Evacuation Centre (PPS) at the Kanowit Sports Complex by 6:30 pm. The Kanowit District Officer has urged various agencies, including the Welfare Department, Armed Forces, Police, Bomba, and Civil Defence Force, to assist in managing the centre and supporting those in need.

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What challenges are residents facing with rising water levels?

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