Labuan hit by torrential rain and strong winds

LABUAN: Torrential rain and strong winds that lashed parts of the island from Tuesday night caused flooding in five villages, damaging eight houses as well as food stalls and resort facilities.

The affected villages are Kg Sg Buton, Kg Rancha-Rancha, Kg Ganggarak, Kg Layangan and Kg Sungai Miri (Simpang Padang, Sungai Pagar).

Several houses in the water village of Kg Bebuloh Laut were also affected by rising sea level and waves.

Food stalls in Pohon Batu were damaged when a large tree fell.

Firemen were kept busy responding to numerous calls of fallen trees and branches on houses and roads.

“Fortunately, there were no casualties,” said Labuan Fire and Rescue Services Department director Zainal Madasin.

Strong winds and huge waves damaged resort facilities in Pulau Rusukan Kecil and the jetty at the popular beach of Kg Layangan.

In Kg Ganggarak, four families were evacuated to the village community hall after their houses were flooded late Tuesday night.

Labuan MP Datuk Rozman Isli said emergency aid would be given to the flood victims as soon as possible after visiting Kg Ganggarak.

The relevant agencies are attending to victims while the community service centre is coordinating distribution of the aid, he added. — Bernama