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

Sarawak Civil Defence Department public relations 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 the Kuching division, eight relief centres were opened in Kuching district and eight in the Bau district while in the Serian division, five were opened in the Serian district and one in the Padawan district.

In a statement from Kuching, 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.

- Bernama