| Azaraimy HH |
SEVERAL low-lying residential areas and roads in rural Tutong, including at Kampong Rambai, Kampong Benutan, Kampong Kuala Ungar and Kampong Panchong, have been affected by floods following recent heavy rains.
The situation is being monitored by the Tutong District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC).
Several agencies have taken action such as the assessment of high-tide and the provision of transportation such as trucks by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and boats by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC).
Some affected families in lowland areas have already been provided with food rations by the Tutong District branch of the Community Development Department. To date, some 25 families are reported to have been affected by the rising floodwaters.
To assess the flood situation, a meeting took place yesterday afternoon at the Lamunin Fire Station. The meeting which was chaired by Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the Tutong District Officer, as the Committee Chairman of the Tutong District Disaster Management Committee, was also attended by representatives from government agencies, including senior government officers and grassroots leaders such as Penghulus and village heads from the flooded areas.
A donation from the Community Development Department (JAPEM) is handed over to one of the resi-dents affected by the flash floods
Officials from the Tutong District Disaster Management Committee hold a meeting on the flood situation in Tutong District
A flooded road at Kuala Ungar-Rambai, Mukim Rambai. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH
Also present during the meeting were YB Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, the Tutong District member of the Legislative Council and also Penghulu of Mukim Telisai; Haji Mohd ‘Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The committee discussed initial action that was taken to mitigate the problems arising from the floods, and strategic steps to control the situation if the wet weather persists, including the activation of the Incident Control Centre at the Lamunin Fire Station.
Security measures were also discussed such as stepping up the patrols on higher grounds, which are used as parking spots by residents from the flooded areas.
After the meeting, the officials toured the affected areas, including schools and some houses.
According to the Tutong District Office, the floodwaters are still at a moderate level despite some roads being inaccessible, and that there is no need for the relocation of the affected residents.
The NDMC advised the public to place their valuable assets, including important documents, in secure places.
The NDMC urged communities in affected areas to support each other, and not to swim in flooded areas to avoid untoward incidents.
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