Bandar Seri Begawan - A heavy downpour yesterday inundated several areas in the country and Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Service has also forecast "a lot of shower activities" today.

The rainy season, explained the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Service yesterday, has been attributed to the North-East Monsoon "which is when we receive ample rainfall" and that the current wet weather is expected to increase especially when coupled with the inter-tropical convergence zone "which is also active around our area".

Neighbouring Sarawak, Malaysia, meanwhile, reported that it is currently preparing for the King Tide today and Brunei Darussalam, according to the. Marine Department website, was expected to see high tides in a number of areas across the country with the highest being over 2.5 metres starting midnight, gradually decreasing throughout the day and increasing again around midnight.

The Brunei WX app said the expected high tide will also be a contributing factor to "widespread flood or flash flood" over low-lying areas as well as areas near the riverbanks.

In the Brunei-Muara District, among the hardest hit areas yesterday were busy shopping areas in Berakas as well as the Old Airport area where the government buildings are situated and also the Gadong area. The Fire and Rescue Department hotline, when contacted, said that personnel will be monitoring the situation as it progresses.

Many areas in the Belait District too were flooded.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin