More than 150 landslides recorded in Brunei-Muara
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan 29: There were more than 150 landslides recorded in the Brunei-Muara District beginning January 14 due to heavy rainfall.
Out of the 154 reported cases, 21 are classified dangerous, 121 moderate and 11 as not dangerous.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, was briefed about the situation in the district before visiting seven houses that were worst affected by landslides in Kg Telanai, Kg Lambak Kiri, Kg Perpindahan Lambak Kanan, Sg Tilong, Kg Kapok Kanan and Kg Mentiri.
Speaking to representatives of government agencies at the briefing, YB Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awang Badaruddin emphasised that the welfare of the public was a top priority. He said government agencies should focus on finding permanent solutions for those whose homes were deemed structurally unsafe.
Brunei-Muara District Officer Hj Jamain Momin in his capacity as chairman of the District Disaster Management Centre said the Operation Centre at the Brunei-Muara District Office was activated on January 21.
He said temporary relocation centres (community halls and school halls near the affected areas) would be made available if deemed necessary
The minister later spoke to the residents in the worst-affected areas and reassured them that every effort will be made to remedy the situation.
The first house visited was in Kg Telanai, followed by Jln Bedil, Kg Lambak Kiri.
A landslide occurred behind the home belonging to Pg Asmah Pg Hj Lakim on January 14.
The two-storey house is home to 27 family members.
Kg Lambak Kiri Village Head Hj Bujang Ahim was also present to brief the minister on the family’s situation.
Pg Asmah’s daughter, who wished to be known as Rita, said: “We have been staying with my family members around the area because the house was structurally unsafe. We moved out of the house on January 15.”
Some family members have applied for government housing. During the visit, the minister asked that due consideration be given to remedying the family’s plight,
A press statement from the ministry said: “Feedback received from the victims showed that they are satisfied with the assistance rendered from the Brunei-Muara District Disaster Management Centre and other government agencies such as the Community Development Department, the Islamic Religious Council, the Public Works Department, the Fire and Rescue Department and others.”
The statement also commended the victims for being calm and patient during difficult times.
source: The Brunei Times
