KUCHING, Aug 26 2026: Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) today warned that the El Nino phenomenon, associated with higher temperature and drier weather conditions, is expected to intensify in Sarawak between October and December 2026 and may persist until at least April 2027.
Its chairman Douglas Uggah said latest El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook indicates that El Niño is currently at moderate intensity, with a high potential for the phenomenon to reach strong or even “Super” El Niño intensity between September 2026 and January 2027.
“Rainfall in the southwestern parts of Sarawak is expected to be below average from October to December 2026,” he said in a statement after the SDMC special coordination committee meeting today.
He added the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14, 2026, is expected to continue until September 2026.
He noted that El Niño is a global climate phenomenon, and its impacts can be felt across different regions, saying that while the extent and duration of its impacts cannot be determined with certainty, Sarawak is taking early measures to mitigate potential effects, particularly the potential for prolonged dry conditions and declining water levels.
“SDMC and the relevant agencies are taking proactive measures now rather than waiting for the situation to develop into a crisis,” Uggah, who is also the deputy premier, said.
In view of the anticipated dry conditions, he said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) have called for further cloud seeding operations where suitable conditions permit.
“At today's meeting, MetMalaysia reported that it is currently assessing suitable conditions for cloud seeding, with Sept 3 to 5 2026 identified as a potential window,”he said.
However, he said a further meeting on Sept 1 2026 will determine whether conditions are suitable for the operation.
Uggah said the state Welfare Department and JBALB have been supplying and will continue to provide water assistance to affected communities where necessary.
He said SDMC has also agreed to establish a Special Operations Team at the State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC) to continuously monitor and coordinate the impact of declining water levels throughout Sarawak.
He said Resident Offices (Divisional Disaster Management Committees) and all agencies have been asked to review their preparedness, including water supplies, logistics and resources, to ensure timely assistance should conditions worsen.
He stressed that early preparation is essential given the potential for a prolonged dry spell and its impact on water levels. The Committee will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate mitigation and contingency measures across agencies.
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