HOUSE OF ELLRON’S FATHER AMONG 50 HIT BY FLOODS
KENINGAU:
The house of the father of Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin at Kampung Biah Tengah in Sook here was among more than 50 houses at several villages hit by floods when the swollen Biah River and other rivers overflowed their banks yesterday following overnight heavy rain.
The floodwaters were reported to be about two feet deep at worst-hit areas as Liawan, Bariawa and Mempikit rivers also burst their banks.
According to Sook People Development Leader, Charles Ikang, the house of Ellron’s father was among four affected in Kampung Biah Tengah.
Besides, more than 20 acres of cultivated farmland with crops like tobacco, oil palm seedlings, padi and others, were destroyed by the flood, he said.
Among other affected houses were three In Kampung Ansip Tengah and numerous others at Kampung Tuarid Liawan, Kampung Lingkudau.
The floodwaters also disrupted communication for about four hours when part of a wooden bridge collapsed as it was overflowed with water.
The problem was overcome after a machine from the Public Works Department was used to clear large amount of garbage and debris trapped under the bridge.
Meanwhile, in Kampung Kaurasan and Banjar, more than 30 houses were also affected by the floods.
Large amount of debris also had to be removed from under another bridge across Mempikit River with two machines from a private company here.
However, no casualties have been reported in the floods.
Meanwhile, District Officer Haji Zulkifli Nasir, who inspected the flood situation in Kampung Lingkudau, Kauran and Banjar, has advised the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairmen and village headmen in the affected areas to register the flood victims.
He said community leaders should make a report on property including crops destroyed by the floods to the Community Welfare Department in order for the Department to provide assistance to lessen their burden.
He also reminded parents as well as the people living in the low-lying areas or near the rivers to take great care on their safety.
“If the rain continue, they must move to higher grounds with their important documents. It is for their own good and family safety,” he said.
Zulkifli said if they need assistance, they could contact the Police and District Fire and Rescue Services Department.
