Sarawak floods: Rescue teams brave strong currents to deliver aid

KUCHING: Rescue teams have had to brave strong river currents to deliver food supplies to residents in several areas of the state that have been cut off since the flood disaster five days ago.

A spokesperson for the Operations Centre (PGO) of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sarawak said that they, along with several other assisting agencies, had to use several boats to make the deliveries as it was the fastest method.

He said that the food supply delivery operations using boats involved areas in Kanowit in Sibu, Sebauh and Tatau (Bintulu), Sebuyau (Samarahan), and Serian.

"In Kanowit, the fire department and the Marine Police Force (PPM) mobilised their assets to deliver food supplies to three longhouses, namely Rumah Panjang Ricky in Teluk Legam, Rumah Panjang Jelani Nanga Lesih, and Rumah Panjang Adau Nanga Bunut.

"PPM used two boats, including one belonging to the villagers, to deliver supplies to the longhouses.

"A total of 93 food packs weighing 930kgs were delivered to the three longhouses," he said.

The PGO spokesperson said in Sebauh, boats were also used to deliver food supplies to longhouse residents via the Sungai Sujan.

"A total of 51 food packs weighing 816kgs were delivered to be distributed to residents in two longhouses," he said.