Gale-Force Winds Damage 31 Houses
By James Kon & Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - As many as 31 houses in the Brunei-Muara District have suffered damages as strong winds accompanied by driving rain have been creating havoc around the capital for the past few days.

"I contacted the police and the villagers came out to assist my family.

"Around 80 per cent of my house is damaged; I hope the Government of His Majesty can assist us in repairing our home."

Another affected house owner, Hj Nasib bin Hj Rendah, said, "I was out helping a neighbour when a gust of strong winds blew away part of the roof of my house.

"Rain started pouring in the kitchen and two bedrooms. Our clothes and electrical items were damaged."

Dato Paduka Hj Md Yussop bin Bakar, the Brunei-Muara District Officer, and Haji Haris bin Othman, the Assistant Brunei-Muara District Officer, and others visited the affected houses in Kg Ayer to assess damages and provide assistance.

Dato Paduka Hj Md Yussop said, "The Fire and Rescue has reported damages to 31 houses following strong winds that were experienced on May 11, 13 and 14.

"I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Fire and Rescue Department for taking swift actions during the emergency and providing canvas for the effected houses.

"At the moment, we are visiting and assessing the damages. We are trying to provide assistance through the direct level. Wood (for the reconstruction work) will be made available at 2pm today and the process will begin. Some houses, which were affected on May 11, have already been completely repaired. Houses affected on May 13 will be repaired with assistance from the Fire and Rescue personnel and staff of Brunei-Muara District Office," he said.

"Houses which have sustained serious damages will be repaired by contractors. Expenses to cover the repairs will come from the Brunei-Muara District fund. We hope that we will be able to repair the affected houses as fast as possible.

"I hope villagers will come out in force to provide assistance to the affected houses and people who would like to contribute wood and zinc to repair the affected houses can do so by contacting the Brunei-Muara District Office," he added.

The Meteorological Department said wind gusts of 50 to 70 km/h were possible today (Friday) near squally showers and the sea state remains very dangerous to small vessels.

"There are a couple of tropical depressions developing over the South China Sea with names yet to be known until the intensity increases. But the situation has improved slightly compared to Wednesday night, as they are moving away from our area.

"The situation yesterday (Thursday) was more or less like Wednesday but with less intensity," the forecaster added. The wind speed was around 76 km/h on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, the flight information desk said there were no flight disruptions on Wednesday night. However, a news report from Malaysia stated that a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur bound for Miri had to be diverted to Brunei due to the bad weather.

Passengers on the flight said the pilot made the approach to land at about 4.30pm in Miri but aborted due to strong winds. The flight finally arrived from Brunei at 7pm Wednesday.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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