A landslide triggered by days of heavy rainfall has cut off the main access road into Kampung Danau in Bekenu, prompting emergency response teams to secure the area and heighten monitoring as flooding spreads to nearby communities.
The incident was reported in the early hours of Sunday after residents noticed a major slope failure along the hill bordering the village road. Firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia received the alert at 4.52am and mobilised immediately.
A response unit from the Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene shortly afterwards to assess the extent of the damage.
Initial assessments found that the landslide had created a massive barrier of soil, rocks and vegetation estimated to be around 30 feet in height, rendering the road completely impassable.
Firefighters carried out a rapid size-up, installed safety barriers and restricted access to the area due to concerns about further soil movement caused by ongoing rainfall.
The Disaster Operation Centre was informed to allow for coordination with other agencies responsible for public works, disaster management and community safety.
After ensuring the site was stable enough for temporary closure and posed no immediate danger to nearby residents, the response team concluded operations and returned to base at 6.30am.
Meanwhile, the effects of the persistent rain have been felt across several parts of Bekenu, with flooding reported in Pekan Bekenu as well as Kampung Dagang, Kampung Kelapa and Kampung Jenggalas.
Monitoring patrols conducted later in the morning recorded water levels of between one and two feet in most parts of the town, while some areas experienced deeper flooding of up to four feet.
Although no evacuation orders had been issued as of Sunday morning, authorities stressed that the situation remains dynamic and could change rapidly depending on weather conditions.
Residents living in low-lying and hillside areas were advised to stay alert, prepare for possible evacuations and avoid travelling through flooded or landslide-prone zones.
Emergency services emphasised the importance of public cooperation, noting that early reports from residents allowed for swift action to reduce risks.
Sarawak’s disaster management agencies are expected to continue monitoring rainfall patterns and ground conditions in the coming days, as forecasts indicate the possibility of continued wet weather.