Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - The continuous downpour which has been occurring of late in the sultanate has caused some areas to be affected by landslides, flooding and fallen trees yesterday.

The Ministry of Development was on site to release a statement regarding the landslide over at Jalan Tutong highway where it was reported that half of the Jalan Tutong lane leading towards Kg Bunut will be closed off. Once the area is deemed safe or the rain has subsided, the Public Works Department will move in to repair the landslide areas.

In addition, Ministry of Development's public relations officers urge members of the public to slow down their vehicle when passing through the 3-km stretch of road for the safety of the workers as they carry out the repairs.

Meanwhile, there were several landslide cases

around the area of Jalan Berangan and Jalan Dadap where it was reported that several houses and an apartment building in the areas were affected.

Hj Muhidin Hj Alim, who resides at No. 85 in Kg Kilanas, was one of the landslide victims who saw a collapse in the foundation in his backyard, creating a two metre chasm, stretching approximately 50 metres from his garage to a nearby hill.

The Fire and Rescue Department was on the scene since it was reported around 10am yesterday to carry out work to lessen the burden of the residents. However, an officer at the department warned that although they have set up a canvas to cover the slides, it did not mean that the area was repaired, and further advised that they should practice caution, especially if the downpour continues.

Shahbandi Hj Abd Halim, assistant director of the Fire and Rescue Department, assessed that the house was unsafe to live in and recommended the family members to evacuate the premises. Preparations to accommodate the families affected by the landslides were being carried out by the Disaster Management Centre.

"If it's not safe to live in, why should we wait and stay here?" said Hj Muhidin.

Also present on the scene was Hj Lamat Hj Abd Rahman, the head village of Kg Kilanas, who said that the house used to be a wasai area before the land was flattened to create a pond behind Hj Muhidin's residence.

An emergency meeting will be held regarding the affected area in the district," said Hj Lamat.

According to Hj Lamat, in Kg Kilanas alone four houses reported landslides, one tree fell onto a house, while the nearby religious school cement closure was cracked once again after being repaired from a previous landslide.

Moreover, the head village added that the areas of Ban 1, Ban 2A and Ban 4 have been affected by floods.

The Fire and Rescue Department has received a total of 22 incidents regarding landslides, 13 from Brunei-Muara district, two from Belait and three from Tutong, while Temburong is still safe from landslides for the time being. In addition to the landslides, the Fire and Rescue Department also received 16 reports on fallen trees and one on flooding throughout all districts.

The meteorological services said yesterday that Brunei is currently experiencing the inter-monsoon season where heavy rain can be very active sometimes and subdued during others. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times