Heavy rain, thunderstorms in Sarawak amid Gawai celebrations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several parts of Sarawak, coinciding with the ongoing Gawai Dayak celebrations, which began today and will continue throughout the week.
The alert, effective until 10pm tonight, affects areas including Samarahan (Simunjan), Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah (Dalat and Mukah), Kapit, Bintulu, Miri (Beluru, Telang Usan and Marudi), and Limbang.
The department warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning activity, with rainfall intensity expected to exceed 20mm per hour in the affected areas.
Such weather conditions may lead to flash floods, fallen trees, and disruptions to outdoor festivities.
Gawai, a major cultural festival marking the end of the rice harvesting season, is widely celebrated across both rural and urban Sarawak, often featuring open houses, longhouse gatherings, traditional dances, and parades.
Authorities have urged the public, especially those travelling between longhouses and urban centres, to remain vigilant and avoid outdoor activities during periods of heavy rain.
The MetMalaysia storm warning also covers parts of Perlis, Kedah (Langkawi), Kelantan (Gua Musang), Sabah, and other regions of Malaysia, and remains valid for six hours from the time of issuance.
The notice was released at 7pm today.
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