By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Dec 17: The 100-year-old Rumah Sebastian Ngalang located at Mile 6 ½, Jalan Oya here, suffered severe damage due to strong winds that struck yesterday evening.
The incident, which occurred around 5.45pm, resulted in part of the longhouse’s roof being ripped off, affecting approximately eight residential units and displacing 30 residents.
According to a report by TVS, Tuai Rumah Sebastian Ngalang said residents are now forced to seek temporary shelter in the communal hall (ruai) as their homes are completely exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, he mentioned that the entire longhouse has been left without electricity, which was shut off as a safety measure immediately after the incident.
“We are grateful that no injuries occurred in this incident. However, the damage, particularly to the roof, is very severe,” he reportedly said.
Following the incident, Sebastian has urged the authorities and relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance.
He said financial aid and building materials are urgently needed to repair the longhouse, which serves as a generational heritage for the local community.
“We truly need help to restore the situation. Given the longhouse’s age of over a century, the damage caused by this disaster is too overwhelming for the residents to handle on their own,” he added. — DayakDaily
