Food packets sent to flood affected areas
MARUDI: A total of 465 packets of food have been sent and distributed to seven longhouses in Tutoh and Marudi areas which are situated at the banks of Baram and Tutoh rivers that have been hit by the flood.
The immediate relief, provided by Welfare Department through Marudi Disaster Relief Committee, was sent by a chartered express boat.
Marudi district officer and chairman of Marudi Disaster Relief Committee, Mackos Sibong, said the longhouses that received the aid were Kampung Benawa (123 packs for 245 victims), Linei Buklit (18 packs for 45 victims), Rumah Jipun Sg Gaong ( 37 packs for 73 people), Kuala Tutoh (142 packs for 284 victims), Rumah Mugang, Tanjong Opar (49 packs for 98 people), Rumah Vincent Kiu ( 42 packs for 84 victims) and Rumah Gerinang Kam of Logan Tasong ( 54 packs for 108 people).
Meanwhile at Kampung Narum Marudi, 16 houses had their ground floor inundated by flood water, affecting 62 people.
The f lood was caused by the overf lowing Tinjar and Tutoh rivers.
In Marudi, the flood water level was recorded at 4.49 metres yesterday morning, which is at the alert level.
Mackos thanked Mulu assemblyman and Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Assembly Datuk Gerawat Gala for chartering the express boat to deliver the food aid.
He also extended his thanks to the Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Sarawak Rivers Board, the police and the Welfare Department for their cooperation towards the towards the Marudi Disaster Relief Committee in addressing the flood situation in Marudi District since Feb 24.
He also said the food relief had been sent to Long Panai yesterday by an army truck through the timber track, including to victims at Kampung Melinau, Mulu and Batu Bungan longhouse though the water level at Kampung Melinau had receded.
Mackos advised those living along the Baram river to take extra care and be ready for the eventuality of flood.
Meanwhile, 108 packets of food aid will be sent to Rumah Lajang Genam, Linei Merah by land transport for the 280 flood victims there.