PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over floods in Sabah and Sarawak as torrential rain continued to lash both states yesterday, leaving more than 10,000 people displaced.

By 4pm, the number of people at 76 temporary relief centres across the two states stood at 10,750 from 3,211 families.

Anwar said: “I am deeply saddened to receive news of the worsening flood situation in Sabah and Sarawak.

“I extend my sympathies to the thousands of our fellow citizens affected by this disaster,” he posted on Facebook.

He said he had directed the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to boost coordination across all federal and state agency resources.

“Our top priority at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and the safety of residents in the affected areas.”

In Bagan Datuk, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is National Disaster Management Committee chairman, echoed Anwar’s concern.

He said the committee had ordered the mobilisation of assets to assist with evacuations and aid, including the construction of temporary bridges, in all floodaffected areas in Sarawak.

Zahid said checks showed that 13 main meteorological stations in Sarawak recorded over 20mm of daily rainfall, surpassing the average monthly rainfall.

He said coordination was being carried out with the armed forces and the Public Works Department to build the bridges within 72 hours.

He added that the federal and Sarawak governments were working closely and coordinating efforts to manage the flood situation in the state.

“In terms of asset preparedness, we are ready, including assets for immediate repairs, such as rebuilding collapsed bridges and implementing other urgent measures.

“The armed forces’ Engineering Corps and the Public Works Department will work to construct Bailey bridges after a detailed study on the terrain’s suitability is conducted.”

Sarawak remains the worst-hit state, with 6,821 evacuees from 1,846 families seeking shelter in 48 temporary relief centres across 12 affected districts.

Bintulu recorded the highest number of evacuees at 1,889, up from 1,260 this morning.

Sabah has recorded 3,929 victims from 1,365 families, with 28 temporary relief centres operating across 10 districts.

Kota Marudu has the highest number of evacuees at 2,355 Page 1 pic: The flood situation at RPR Bintulu and Kampung Kemunting.