Morning After Flood Nightmare
By Zaim Zaini & Hj Minor Absah

Bandar Seri Begawan - Heavy rains on Wednesday night caused flash floods in several low-lying areas in the Brunei Muara District.

For residents in Kg Lambak Kiri, it was a sight that they have never seen before. Many were suddenly awakened at around midnight as the rising floodwater entered their houses, bringing in mud and debris.

Several people were also affected by mudslides. Residents said that they were caught unaware of the rising water that night.

Many have been living in the area for more than 10 years and this was the first time such flash flood had happened.

For other residents, it was already too late as they only knew of the flood quite late into the night as neighbours tried to awaken them.

By that time, their furniture and electrical appliances were already soaked in the brown, muddy waters thanks mostly to the minor mudslides around their houses. Vehicles were also damaged by the floodwater. Though some owners tried to move the vehicles, it was already too late as roads became impassable and too dangerous. The Fire and Rescue Department also had a tough time that night as it received more than 20 c4lls from residents asking for assistance to remove fallen trees and mud. It was only after Sam yesterday that the floodwater finally began to recede slowly.

Yesterday morning, residents were busy cleaning up the mess left by the flood. Fire and Rescue personnel were assigned in two shifts to assist in the clean-up starting at 2am yesterday. Personnel from the Public Works Department were also at the scene to assist in clearing away the mud that covered some roads.

Small comer shops were also not spared as the flood caused damage to stocks inside the shops. Chairs, tables, sofas and carpets were seen left to dry in front of the houses affected by the flash flood.

Some residents acknowledged that the flash flood was mostly the result of the mudslides that clogged the drains in the area. As the heavy downpour continued into the night, the mud and other debris washed away into the drainage reduced water flow and caused drains to overflow. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with