SUNGAI Liang residents in the Belait district have been hit by heavy floods, causing havoc to roads, homes and businesses, more than a week after the worst floods in 40 years affected Brunei-Muara district.
The intensity of the storm started at about 3am yesterday and lasted for nearly four hours, with many residents describing it as a rare occurrence.
The most affected places, which were nearly submerged by fast flowing water were the Mukim Sg Liang area, the Kuala Balai housing area, Seria and some other parts of Kuala Belait.
The Sg Liang residents bore the brunt of the storm due to its low lying areas, but even high grounds were inundated with fast flowing waters.
One Sg Liang resident, Hjh Hapsah, who had to be assisted by the Fire and Rescue Department described the whole situation as chaotic and alarming.
"Water was everywhere and it was flowing really fast. My car had to be pushed back by the police and firemen, who were there the whole period, as it started to drift along with the torrent of water."
"It looked as if Sg Liang was a town built into a white water river," she added.
She also praised the speedy response of the Fire and Rescue Department as well as the Royal Brunei Police Force, who helped throughout the whole ordeal, consoling and assisting the affected residents.
Some places previously safe from floods were engulfed with water almost knee deep. In Seria alone, almost 100 families were displaced by the floods.
The Community Development Department (Japem) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, handed out food and blankets to the victims of Seria and Kuala Belait yesterday afternoon.
According to eyewitnesses , the Sg Liang bypass which is the only route heading towards the Kuala Belait, was cordoned off during the early hours to ensure the safety of motorists passing by. The road was only opened at 6am when the torrent of gushing water subsided.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof, together with officials from the National Disaster Management Centre and the Belait District Office also visited the affected areas yesterday to ensure the well-being of the affected residents.
The thunderstorm which is caused by the merging of the La-Nina effect and the current monsoon season is expected to last throughout January to February.
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