THE flood situation in Sabah and Sarawak seems to be improving, but thousands still remain at temporary relief centres (PPS) in both states.

However, there is no telling how many more could be affected, with Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas lamenting that many people were reluctant to be evacuated.

Speaking in Kuching, he urged people to evacuate if instructed to do so by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, as this was for their own safety and that of their loved ones.

“They are still waiting, but their lives could be endangered if the floods worsen. That’s why we are advising affected residents to evacuate immediately.

“Authorities such as the police, fire department, and military personnel must also convince them to evacuate.

“The police have also been instructed to monitor flood-affected villages to prevent any untoward incidents,” Bernama reported him as saying after visiting the PPS at Dewan Masyarakat Serian here.

Uggah, who chairs the committee, reminded PPS leaders to monitor flood victims’ condition closely.

Anyone who develops a fever should inform the on-duty health personnel for immediate treatment.

On the standard operating procedures (SOP) at PPS, Uggah said pets are not allowed as they may carry diseases that could infect humans.

“I am confident that their family members can take care of the pets or place them in a safe location before moving to the PPS,” he added.

As of 4pm yesterday, the number of people affected in Sabah stood at 4,276 victims from 1,449 families.

Currently, 33 temporary evacuation centres are operating in nine districts in Sabah.

In Sarawak, 3,130 victims from 885 families remain at 41 relief centres in six districts in the state.

At the same time the day before, there had been a total of more than 10,000 evacuees in both states.