Strong storm in Kuching tears down Sarawak's flag and causes widespread disruption

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A severe storm swept through Kuching yesterday afternoon, causing devastation throughout the city and causing a dramatic incident at the Kuching Waterfront.

The storm was so severe that it violently ripped the Sarawak flag from the flagpole at Ibu Pertiwi and caused it to fly across the waterfront.

Videos capturing the flag's dramatic flight were widely shared on TikTok, with locals documenting the moment when strong winds overcame the flagpole's support.

@bbcats19 Kuching, September 2: Bendera Ibu Pertiwi Terlepas Dari Katannya Di Tiang Bendera Dataran Ibu Pertiwi Sekitar Jam 4.15 Petang Tadi Berikutan Cuaca Buruk Melanda Kuching Petang Ini. #dataranibupertiwi #bendera #sarawak #beritatiktok #catsfm #fyp ♬ Original sound – Steaffsupang

The footage shows the flag fluttering uncontrollably before being carried away by the gusts, illustrating the intensity of the storm.

According to Dayak Daily, the incident occurred at around 4.15pm yesterday. The report detailed how the strong winds not only knocked down the flagpole but also uprooted several trees across Kuching, causing major traffic congestion and disrupting normal traffic in the affected areas.

In response to the incident, the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) acted quickly.

Since this morning, the Sarawak flag on the flagpole in Ibu Pertiwi has been replaced by a new one.

On the official Facebook page, the DBKU also thanked five unsung heroes: the security guards of the Dataran Ibu Pertiwi, who recovered and saved the flag that had fallen from the sky from the Sarawak River at around 11 p.m. last night.

The storm's impact extended beyond the flagpole incident. Numerous trees were uprooted, causing blockages on major roads and causing delays and detours for motorists.

The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has assured the public on its official Facebook page that measures are being taken to strengthen infrastructure against future storms and mitigate possible damage.

In addition, officials are conducting a thorough survey of the affected areas to facilitate repair work and prevent similar incidents.

The quick recovery of Sarawak's flag serves as a symbol of the city's steadfast spirit and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage despite the unpredictable forces of nature.

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