MIRI, May 21: Power stations in Mulu, Long Lama, Bario and Long Seridan have been forced to shut down due to rising flood waters following heavy continuous rainfall in the last two days, thus affecting electricity supply to some communities in the Northern Region of Sarawak.
Sarawak Energy vice president Yusri Safri pointed out that the Mulu power station was submerged in floodwater and therefore had been shut down.
“Other stations include Long Lama, Bario, Long Seridan and power supply to parts of Limbang and Lawas have also been temporarily shut down due to rising floodwaters.
“Power supply to these areas will be restored once the situation improves and safe to do so,” he said in a media release today.
Sarawak Energy also emphasised that they are closely monitoring the flood situation in several rural areas in the Northern Region while giving assurance that necessary measures will be taken as keeping the public safe from electrical hazards is their priority.
Also on high alert to restore electricity supply to the affected area the soonest once the situation improves, Sarawak Energy however said that restoration in some areas may be affected by the flood waters, impeding any attempts for quick restoration.
Rising flood waters in the areas, the utility provider added, had also affected several access roads, which includes Long Peluan.
“The bridge serving the main road to Long Seridan also has collapsed and drifted away by rising flood waters disrupting access to the area. Access roads between Bario and Long Bangga have also been affected due to landslides.”
Sarawak Energy cautioned that supply to substations and other facilities would be shut off without prior notice during a flood or if rising waters cause a dangerous situation.
Public are urged to practise safety precautions in this situation to minimise risks of electrical hazards and injuries to consumers.
Before a flood, turn off home supply at the main switchboard and move electrical equipment to an elevated position or higher location of anticipated flood level at the earliest sign of rising waters.
During flood, avoid using electrical appliances and do not go near submerged electrical installations (i.e. poles, substations, transformers etc). If traveling in a boat, be cautious of power lines as swollen rivers may elevate the water level closer to high tension lines.
After a flood, beware of fallen electrical poles and stay away from fallen electrical lines as they may still be energised.
Do not attempt to operate electrical appliances if these have been submerged in flood waters as this may cause electrocution or fire.
Owners are advised to engage a qualified electrician to inspect home or building wirings before turning on the main supply.
For more information, customers can contact Sarawak Energy’s 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email to customercare@sarawakenergy.com. — DayakDaily
