Betong flooded from incessant rainfall

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BETONG: A few areas here have been flooded following incessant raining since Saturday.

Rainfall has submerged the Rian Bridge in water, cutting a 28-door longhouse’s only access route. The rising water level forced some 80 villagers to evacuate.

Villagers wade through five-feet deep water along the main access.

According to village head Jonathan Tindin, the water level started rising and covered the road as early as 5am. As a result, villagers had to move their vehicles to higher ground.

“It took only a couple of hours for the residential area of ours to be flooded while some of the villagers had no choice but to move their belongings and livestock to a safer place.

“Many of us did not manage to save a lot due to the swift rise in water levels and some chose not to relocate their things for fear they wouldn’t manage.”

Malaysian Civil Defence officers communicate with Jonathan (right).

A villager pointed out that it was rare for this area to be flooded to this extent and that the last time it occurred was in 1992, although it had not been as serious as this.

“Ever since the road was upgraded, we had never experienced as serious a flood as this until last Saturday. Perhaps it’s because of the heavy rainfall as well as water flowing from upstream.”

A scene of the flooded longhouse.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Civil Defence Department (JPAM) Betong has been on the ground to help flood victims.

Its officers have helped relocate affected individuals to a safe location by boat.

The majority of flood victims have been delivered to a relief centre at Dewan Panglima Rentap here.