KUCHING (Feb 10): The recent floods that hit Kampung Tebakang Hilir in Serian had been described by the villagers as the worst to strike in the last 11 years.

Roslan Tarik, 60, claimed that the floodwater level reached over six feet high at its height, as he recounted the anxious moments when water from nearby Kayan River gushed into his house.

“It was the worst flood since 2014. The water came in very fast and there was no time to move the car.

“Thankfully the floods receded after three days,” he said in an Information Department (Japen) Sarawak report.

Meanwhile, Sufian Arshad, 58, said his house was almost submerged as it continued to rain heavily at the time.

“By 10am, it (floodwater level) was waist-high. Our family saved what was necessary. Cars, (and) motorcycles were parked on the bridge because the water level was at shoulder-height in the evening,” he said.

Fellow villager Ramli Tosen, 70, hoped that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies could go to the ground and help the flood victims who were adversely affected.

“Thank you to the NGOs that have come forward to help the flood victims, and we hope that more parties out there would come in to help.

“Some villagers did not move to the temporary evacuation centres, because they were looking after their homes and properties,” he said.

The villagers were met after the presentation of aid from members of Kelab Belia Inspirasi Bandaraya Kuching, who came to visit the village on Sunday.

Club chairman Abang Affandy Abang Rosli said 50 members took part in the charity drive.

“Apart from providing support to the flood victims in the Serian area, we intend to conduct business and youth leadership courses, as well as carry out social work in the community, so as to benefit the youths,” he said.