SK Long Busang buildings severely damaged by flood water, new term likely to be delayed
KUCHING: The flash flood that hit Long Busang on Tuesday damaged several buildings including those in the primary school of this remote Kenyah Badeng eight hours boat ride upstream of the Bakun dam.
Among the most severely damaged buildings are the teachers’ quarters and the school dining hall.
As a result the school will not be able to start classes when the new term starts next year.
Belaga state assemblyman Liwan Lagang who visited the village yesterday to gauge the damage wreaked by the flood said although the flood water receded after only five hours it left behind a trail of destruction.
“The water level of the river was so high that all four teachers’ quarters and the students’ dining hall were submerged up to the roof. All equipment including computers were damaged.
“When the flood water receded, it left these buildings tilted and unfit for occupation. I am worried that the school would not be able to start class next year,” Liwan told The Borneo Post after returning from his inspection trip.
The Culture and Heritage Assistant Minister said a lot of property was lost but he was unable to estimate the total loss value.
“The people there really need help now as flood water had entered into their houses. The flash flood had also destroyed their padi crop,” said Liwan.
Hulu Rajang MP Wilson Ugak Kumbong and the representative of Mukah MP Datuk Seri Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad, Kenil Jaraiie, also visited the village to render immediate aid.
Liwan and Ugak disbursed RM15,000 each and Toyad, RM10,000 to the 73 families comprising 500 people affected by the flood.
Welfare officers had also reached Long Busang to bring food and other daily necessities for the flood victims.
The flash flood was the second to hit the village in recent years.
The last flood which local villagers remembered occurred in 2008 which they said was more severe than the latest one.