| Azlan Othman & Achong Tanjong |
THIRTY-FIVE distress calls were made to the Fire and Rescue Department Wednesday evening, after strong winds and heavy rain uprooted trees and blew off roofs in various parts of the country.
Teams were deployed to clear uprooted trees blocking major roads in the bustling Kiulap commercial area, as well in Bengkurong.
Meanwhile, there were reports of road accidents, and a wedding tent which was carried off by strong winds in Sengkurong.
The brief storm also caused the ceiling of a Tutong school to cave in, and downed a signboard at the cross junction near Pertama Departmental Store at RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan.
The Brunei-Muara District was the worst-hit area, with 25 cases of uprooted trees and five fallen roofs.
The storm also wrecked havoc in the Tutong District, with seven reports of uprooted trees and one fallen roof.
In the Belait District, three calls were made involving uprooted trees, while the Temburong District recorded no cases at all.
According to the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD), the Sultanate is currently entering the south-west monsoon season, with Typhoon Maria making landfalls in eastern China.
Meanwhile, an active low pressure system has also been recorded at the northern part of South China Sea. Yesterday, the department predicted more strong winds of up to 65 km/h, or near-heavy showers.
“There is a risk of flash floods in low-lying or flood-prone areas,” said the BDMD in its press statement. “Strong winds and rough sea conditions pose a danger to small craft and marine recreational sports, while road users are advised to drive with extra care.”