Floodwater Sweeps Across Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan - The rainy season that has affected much of the region has also wrought havoc and destruction to some families in Brunei Darussalam, RTB reported yesterday.

Earlier Friday afternoon, some areas in Kg Pengkalan Batu, in particular, Batu Ampar, were flooded which also caused landslide.

According to an officer from the Jerudong Fire Services Department, DSO Jamain bin Hj Simba, the fire station had received as many as eight emergency calls Friday, two of which were to render their services to those affected by landslides and six of which were flooded homes.

For their own safety, the department advised the residents of the most damaged homes to seek other accommodation in the meantime.

For the families affected, their New Year had unfortunately gotten off to a very bad start even before it had begun.

Meanwhile, in the Temburong District, several low-lying areas were hit by flash floods yesterday following the current rainy season. Heavy downpour was reported since a few days ago but there had been no reports of casualties.

On Friday night, RTB crew in the Temburong District visited several areas hit by flooding including Kg Selangan, Kg Bokok and Kg Rataaie. Many roads to the villages were impassable as they were submerged by water.

Meanwhile, the water level at the Batu Apoi overflowed its banks and forced the residents to evacuate their vehicles to safer places. The water level here had risen fast and had also flooded rest-houses at the riverbank.

RTB was also informed that the road to Kg Selapan was more than one metre underwater. The Fire Services Department also said all land routes to the area were submerged by water.

At about 6 am Friday morning, RTB crew also recorded a flood situation at Kg Menengah at Bangar Town.

Yesterday afternoon, Awg Shahminan Hj Tengah., the Acting Temburong District Officer, toured the areas hit by the flood including Kg Selapong, which was the hardest hit.

The delegation was informed by the villagers that the floodwater at their village had reached two metres. The last major flood in the area was in 1998.

Awg Harith bin Samat, the Commander of the Temburong District Fire Station, urged the public to report immediately any occurrence of flood so that aid could be sent as soon as possible.

Awg Metussin bin Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tuba, the Acting Deputy District Officer, assured that a task force committee will be set up to handle any occurrence of natural disaster in the future. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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