James Kon
The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) deployed its helicopter to help airlift a pregnant woman due in two weeks to the Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital, Temburong on November 28 after the access road to her home at Kampong Selapon was blocked by huge landslides following a heavy downpour.
The RBAirF also airlifted two invigilators for the Religious Education Primary Schools Certificate (SSSRU) exam, and helped Community Development Department (JAPEM) distributed food rations to the affected villagers.
These efforts were lauded by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong during his visit to the affected areas yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was also present.
The work to clear two landslides and fallen trees are still being carried out.
The Minister of Home Affairs said, “Alhamdulillah, the two-day flooding at Kampong Tamada and Kampong Bukit Apoi roads have subsided. Villagers began to use the road as usual starting on Sunday.”
Water level rose as high as 250mm in areas surrounding Sungai Kenangan in Kampong Tamada, flooding the roads frequented by residents.
“Alhamdulillah, the Public Works Department with the cooperation from several government agencies including the Ministry of Development and the Fire and Rescue Department, managed to clear fallen trees and restore accessibility. Insya Allah, the cleanup works for other affected areas will be completed in a few days.”
He advised Kampong Lemaling and Kampong Selapon residents and road users to be extra cautious during heavy showers and strong winds. The minister also expressed his gratitude to members of the RBAirF and government agencies for their quick action and support.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said, “The government through JAPEM has distributed assistance to families affected by flooding and landslides in Temburong, Belait and Tutong districts starting last Saturday. Alhamdulillah, the assistance were distributed to 40 families in Belait especially in Sukang and Sungai Mau, 87 families in Tutong and 72 families in Kampong Lemaling and Kampong Selapon in Temburong. Six families also received milk and diapers.”
He added, “The Phase 1 assistance will be provided for seven days. JAPEM and District Disaster Management Centre (DDMC) continue to monitor the situation and will provide assistance swiftly and effectively. The minister also urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant while maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.
The ministers and delegation were briefed on the flooding reports at Kampong Selapon, Kampong Batu Apoi, Kampong Tamada, Mukim Bangar and Kampong Paya Begangan by Acting Temburong District Officer Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim as Chairman of DDMC of Temburong District.