KUCHING, Feb 21 ― The number of flood victims continued to rise as at noon with 3,734 people from 1,028 families in Kuching, Serian and Samarahan divisions evacuated to 25 relief centres.

Sarawak Civil Defence Department public relation officer Siti Huzaimah  Ibrahim said the number had increased compared to 2,869 individuals from 779 families housed at 22 relief centres this morning.

She said currently in Kuching division, eight relief centres were opened in Kuching district and eight in Bau district while in Serian division, five were opened in Serian district and one in Padawan district.

In a statement here, she said another three relief centres in Samarahan division comprising Darul Ibadah Mosque, Siburan Fire Station Multi-purpose Hall and Sekolah Kebangsaan Endap in Kota Samarahan district were also opened.

Meanwhile a youth was reported missing when he was swept away by strong currents while trying to cross the river in Kampung Maang, Siburan, about 30km from here last night.

A Fire and Rescue spokesman said the search operation for the youth identified as Judus (Rpt Judus), 20, was being intensified through surface water searching by boat within 1km from the area he was reported missing. ― Bernama