TUTONG

FLOODS in Tutong had subsided when the Minister of Home Affairs visited affected areas in the district yesterday.

Most of the areas in Tutong were cleared of floodwater, but Jalan Pengkalan Don at Kg Layong was still deluged, cutting access to other parts of the village.

Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman visited Jalan Bangkuru, Jalan Benutan and Jalan Kuala Ungar and Jalan Kecil Layong yesterday.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said based on reports received from relevant parties, the flood was still under control.

“Although the flood had affected villages and residences, and it is impossible for small cars to move around, the roads can still be used by heavy vehicles such as trucks,” he said.

“For villagers who are trapped in their houses, they can still go about their daily routine, such as going to work as transportation is provided by the district office,” he added.

The minister said there are ongoing projects to improve roads, including elevating the level of the road.

Head of Operations at the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Pg Hj Sabli Pg Damit said the centre would take necessary action if floods go “out of control”.

A few workers were seen installing a flood barrier at Jalan Kecing Layong to divert and control the flow of water yesterday.

In its briefing to the minister, the Lamunin Fire and Rescue Department said it measured the depth of the floodwater two times a day, aside from patrolling and assisting residents of the affected areas.

One of the affected residents in Kg Penapar, Ajarain Hj Marsal, said his house was flooded since five days ago.

“Initially, the level was quite high, floodwater went into our house ruining our furniture and (consumer electronics), we cannot transport them upstairs as it is already quite full with other stuff,” he told The Brunei Times.

“I think it will take five days for the flood to recede and to prevent such thing from happening in the future, I need to elevate my land,” he added.

Zaharah Hj Muhd Yakub, a resident of Kg Benutan, said the roads they usually use had been affected, even though their house was not flooded.

She said the main road was damaged because logging trucks and large vehicles kept passing by, especially when the area was flooded.

Meanwhile, officials of Suri Seri Begawan (SSB) Hospital in Belait said floodwater had receded at the hospital at about 3am in the morning.

The Brunei Times