KUCHING: Despite clear skies in most parts of the state, the number of schools closed due to the ongoing floods continues to rise.
As of 8am today, the state Education Department was forced to shutter 57 schools in 13 districts – up from 53 schools yesterday.
The schools are located in Sibu, Selangau, Limbang, Dalat, Bintulu, Baram, Serian, Julau and Sebauh.
The department’s spokesman said 6,274 pupils at the schools are affected by the closure.
“Some of the schools were closed after roads leading to the area were submerged by floodwaters.
“There were also schools ordered to temporarily close after waters inundated academic and non-academic blocks. (The situation was) deemed unsafe for the children and teachers,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, eight primary schools and one secondary school were turned into flood evacuation centres.
The schools are SK Kampung Mang, SK Tanah Puteh, SK Bukit Arip, SK Pengkalan Sorak Melayu, SK Kuala Serupai, SJKC Tong Ah, SJKC Cheng Hua and SMK Julau No 2.
As for flood evacuees, the State Natural Disaster Management Committee secretariat said 4,444 people from 1,383 families are still taking shelter at 24 relief centres.
It said that Bintulu registered the highest number of victims at 1,532 people, followed by 1,201 villagers in Serian, and 1,175 people in Sibu.
The remaining flood evacuees are located at relief centres in Kota Samarahan, Mukah, Limbang and Sarikei.
Meanwhile, a state Drainage and Irrigation Department spokesman said the water level of rivers in Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang have surpassed the danger mark.