Azlan Othman
The trials and tribulations of sending food supply to flood stricken victims in the rural part of Tutong and Belait districts recently was shared by members of the Four Wheel Drive Association of Brunei Darussalam.
The association delivered basic food necessities to 40 flood victims in Kuala Ungar on Sunday, which is about one-and-a-half hour drive from town.
According to a member, Vance Lee, it was a nerve-wrecking experience with flood waters reaching waist level recorded. One of the vehicles was trapped inside a drain, taking the convoy an hour to tow it, restart the engine and continue their journey.
“The driver missed the track and the car ended up in the ditch,” he explained. “One of our members was trapped in flood waters. Thankfully, we managed to rescue him,” he said.
Lee also shared, “The villagers were mostly elderly and they were running out of food supply as the road was impassable; and the nearest convenience shop in Lamunin.”
Lee said the association has been assisting flood victims in the rural areas for years, including Benutan, Kuala Ungar, Rambai, Sungai Mau, Bukit Sawat, Labi and Sukang as well as villages in the Temburong District.
Meanwhile, the association’s President Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Damit said teamwork is paramount in executing the challenging relief mission.
“We will only return home once we have delivered food to all the flood victims.”
The association will continue its charity drive to Sungai Mau, Labi and Mendaram Besar Longhouse in collaboration with project FEED, Lotus Light Charity Society and Lions Club on January 31.
“We find joy in helping the helpless in time of need. We are ready to provide cooperation and assistance where necessary,” Haji Ibrahim added.