KUCHING, 21 : The steel bridge at Upper Sg Tutoh in Baram was swept away by strong current following incessant and heavy rain in the last 24 hours, cutting off the one and only logging road access from Miri to Limbang.
Mulu assemblyman Dato Gerawat Gala said he received reports from his area that various places in the Baram including Telang Usan and Mulu areas were badly affected from one of the most severe floods over recent years.
“There are a few bridges and roads damaged by the flood and landslides which have cut off connectivity to a few places like the bridge across Tutoh river along the road to Long Seridan which has been swept away by the flood.
“I have asked the Divisional Disaster Committee Miri to convene immediately to assess the situation on the ground, get reports of all longhouses affected, arrange immediate relief assistance to the people affected, identify damaged infrastructure such as bridges and roads, collect information on crop and property damage caused by flood,” Gerawat said in his Facebook post.
He added that all these are necessary in order for relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to the longhouses and villages affected.
It is also understood that the committee will meet today for an emergency meeting and State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has been informed on the flood situation in Baram.
“I urged that all members of our community in the affected areas to take extra precaution to ensure your safety especially the children, elderly and physically challenged.
“Those planning to travel between town and longhouses, and vice versa should postpone essential travels as some roads and bridges may be unsafe at this time and may not even be passable,” Gerawat said.
District and sub district offices in charge of Ulu Baram together with police, Fire and Rescue (Bomba) and Civil Defence (APM) are monitoring the situation closely with regular updates.
This is also to ensure appropriate action can be taken for the safety and welfare of the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Gerawat also appealed to the respective community leaders, village chiefs and village security committee to take charge of their respective longhouses and rakyat to ensure their safety.
“I have asked them to compile their report on all property, crop and livestock loss caused by the flood to the nearest district and agriculture office respectively,” he said, adding that he will visit the affected areas as soon as possible. — DayakDaily
