TUTONG

THE Tutong District Disaster Management Centre (DDMC) concluded that there is still no need for the agency to set up an Incident Command Post (ICP) in the district despite rising water levels in certain areas.

Members of the Tutong DDMC were called for a meeting at the Lamunin Fire and Rescue Station to discuss the severity of the floods yesterday with the Director of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Col (Rtd) Pg Dato Paduka Hj Rosli Hj Chuchu.

Tutong District Officer Wardi Hj Md Ali said the flooding has worsened in some areas overnight, however the situation is not dangerous yet and is currently still under control.

“Based on the meeting between DDMC and NDMC, we will continue to monitor the situation as it is not yet time for us to set up an Incident Command Post,” said the district officer.

Water levels charted by the Lamunin Fire and Rescue Station show only Jalan Bangkuru and Kampong Benutan as areas that had worsened since the night before, with Jalan Bangkuru’s water level rising from 0.55m to 0.80m and Kampung Benutan’s water level rising from 0.35m to 0.80m.

Jalan Kuala Ungar, Jalan Layong and Jalan Bangpangan’s water levels have maintained with saloon cars not able to pass through Jalan Layong.

The district officer added that, “the DDMC are now identifying various locations to temporarily accommodate those affected and are also identifying logistics needed should the situation worsens”. He said their main focus is preparing to help those who might be affected if the flood worsens by controlling the current flooded locations while also conducting monitoring activities twice a day.

The Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said the ministry is ready to provide assistance if the situation worsens.

“Agencies such as the National Disaster Management Centre, the Fire and Rescue Department, officers from the ministry’s drainage section and the others involved are prepared and ready to help in all four districts but Alhamdulillah as a whole, the situation is not as dire as connectivity and road accessibility has yet to be affected,” the minister said.

“InsyaAllah, such a scenario as those in our neighbouring countries may not occur,” added the development minister.

The Brunei Times