‘We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.’ – Czech model, television host, and philanthropist, Petra Němcová
Nothing is like waking up to gloomy and rainy weather in the morning. It is usually an indicator that the day will be calm and slow.
However, the incessant rain, especially during the recent Chinese New Year, brought anything but calmness to Sarawak. Instead, it triggered what is now regarded as one of the worst floods in the state’s history.
Days of continuous heavy downpours overwhelmed rivers, causing them to swell beyond their banks, inundating towns, villages and vast stretches of low-lying areas.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) reported record-breaking rainfall levels, far surpassing the thresholds of previous flood events.
Entire communities were caught off guard as floodwaters rapidly surged into homes, cutting off access to roads and essential services.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly, navigating treacherous waters to evacuate residents trapped on rooftops and in vehicles.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department had warned about potential heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, but even the most prepared communities struggled against the sheer volume of water.
As I scrolled through social media and news reports, the images of devastation were overwhelming.
Videos of people wading through chest-high waters, desperate families carrying whatever belongings they could salvage and children clinging to their parents as they were rescued by boats painted a grim picture of the disaster’s impact.
I cannot begin to imagine the fear and despair felt by those who had to leave their homes behind, uncertain of what they would return to once the waters receded.
For many, their homes were not just physical shelters, but places filled with memories, belongings, and years of hard work.
Seeing all of that washed away in mere hours was heartbreaking.
I sympathise deeply with the flood victims, especially those who lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods.
But perhaps the most painful aspect of this disaster is the loss of lives.
Each life lost is a tragedy, and no amount of aid or rebuilding can replace a loved one.
My heart goes out to the families who are mourning and to everyone whose lives have been irrevocably changed by this calamity.
As much as this flood is a disaster, it is also a wake-up call as climate change is undoubtedly a factor.
The increasing unpredictability of weather patterns, rising sea levels and prolonged monsoon seasons have all contributed to the severity of recent floods.
However, we must also acknowledge that human activities — such as deforestation, poor urban planning and inadequate drainage systems — have exacerbated the problem.
In many areas, drainage systems could not cope with the sheer volume of rainwater.
Rivers that once served as natural flood buffers have been encroached upon by development.
These issues are not new, yet they continue to persist despite previous floods serving as warnings.
The state government has made commendable efforts to implement flood mitigation projects, but this disaster proves that more needs to be done.
We need stronger flood defences, better early warning systems, and stricter environmental policies to prevent further degradation of natural water retention areas.
More importantly, there must be a long-term, sustainable strategy that considers the realities of climate change.
Despite the devastation, one thing remains unwavering — the resilience of Sarawakians.
In the face of hardship, the spirit of gotong-royong (community cooperation) shone through.
Volunteers, NGOs, and government agencies worked around the clock to provide aid, from distributing food and necessities to setting up evacuation centres.
Strangers helped one another, offering shelter and support to those in need.
Social media became a powerful tool for mobilising assistance.
Posts about missing persons, calls for donations and updates on flood relief efforts flooded timelines, demonstrating the strong sense of community and solidarity among Sarawakians.
Moments like these remind us of the strength and compassion that bind us together.
For those affected, rebuilding lives and restoring normalcy will take time.
While government aid and donations can provide temporary relief, the emotional toll of this disaster will linger.
Ongoing support must be provided, not just in the immediate aftermath but also in the long term.
This flood was not just another chapter in the state’s history of natural disasters — it was a turning point.
A turning point that demands stronger climate resilience, better disaster preparedness, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding our communities against the unpredictable forces of nature.
In this moment of support for those impacted, let’s not only stand together but also contemplate the necessary changes.
Failing to glean lessons from this disaster may lead us to confront an even graver one.
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DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
