TWO primary schools in rural Long Lama of Sarawak have been forced to temporarily close due to rising water from the overflowing Baram River. 

SK Long Atip was reported to be in 1m of water while SK Long Wat was in 0.5m of water. 

Floodwaters were also reported to be affecting dozens of other schools and scores of villages along the Baram River—the state’s longest river whose basin covers an area of 22,108.41 sq km—and its tributaries in the districts of Telang Usan, Marudi, and Tinjar, placing them under a 24-hour flood watch. 

The Civil Defence Department reported that the water level of the Baram River had risen by 11.35m at Long Jegan in the upper section of the river, 7.72m at Long Teru, 7.68m at Benawa and 3.55m at Marudi in the lower reaches. 

Intermittent, heavy rain since Sunday had caused the river to swell. 

In the district of Telang Usan, apart from the two closed schools, nine others were under threat. 

Floodwaters had placed residents in 20 villages and Long Lama town, the main commercial area in the district, on edge. 

In Marudi districts, a further six schools, 17 villages and the rural health clinic at Long Panai were also bracing for floods. 

The Civil Defence Department reported that the water level was a mere 1m from reaching SK Long Panai, located on a hill.  

The water level of the Baram River at Long Panai had reportedly risen by 7.04m. – September 15, 2022.