SIBU, June 3: A total of 20 graves located at the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu Cemetery in Jalan Chukan, Teku here were damaged after being hit by two trees that were struck by lightning.
SDNU Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong said two workers had informed the caretaker of the cemetery on May 30 about the incident.
“The two trees had fallen as a result of being struck by lightning, catching fire and as a result burned the affected graves.
“We immediately contacted the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to put out the blaze before it could spread further,” he said.
Unfortunately, Chambai said another fire occurred on June 1, burning more graves.
According to him, this may have happened due to the hot weather which resulted in the two fallen trees catching fire after the wood had dried.
“The fire department was once again contacted to put out the fire,” he explained.
Chambai urged those who have family members buried in the cemetery to come forward to confirm if their grave sites were affected immediately for further action.
SDNU Sibu Vice Chairman Johnady Janton had lodge a police report at 11am today regarding the incident. — DayakDaily
