KUCHING, June 9: The flooding at Kampung Kenyah Badeng, Long Busang earlier this week on June 5 was not caused by the Bakun hydroelectric dam (HEP) reservoir.
Sarawak Energy in a statement today explained that despite incessant rainfall upstream which raised the water level at the dam’s reservoir by an average of 0.2m-0.3m over the past few days, the current 225.2m above sea level depth of the reservoir was still 2.8m below the spill level.
“The water level is also well below (by 37.8m) the lowest elevation point of the flood-affected Long Busang which is 263m above sea level.
“The heavy downpour upstream of Long Busang has had a particularly high impact as the community is located on a low-lying basin and on the bend of the Balui river making the village susceptible to flash floods.
“The flood at Long Busang, located about 180km upstream, is not related to the rise in water level at Bakun HEP’s reservoir,” said Sarawak Energy.
Kampung Kenyah Badeng in Long Busang is situated at Ulu Balui of Sungai Rajang.
The flood had submerged several longhouses and affected hundreds of residents there. No casualties were reported. — DayakDaily
