Heavy rain causing widespread flash floods in Lawas.
The flash flood has caused some roads in Lawas town centre to be impassable to light vehicles. — Photos courtesy of JPAM
The rising flood water following incessant heavy rain.
Certain roads are passable only to heavy vehicles.
LAWAS: The Lawas District Flood Operations Room was activated yesterday, following widespread flash floods due to incessant heavy rain.
Among the worst affected areas were Lawas Town centre, Kampong Temangis, SK Pusat Lawas, government residential estates at Batu 1 and Batu 2 and roads linking to Kuala Mendalam and Kampung Ensungai.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said they were keeping a close surveillance on these areas as well as at rivers in Ulu Mendamit and Batu Danau.
As of 7pm yesterday, there was no report of injuries and major damage to properties due to flood.
Meanwhile, Lawas district officer Hussaini Hakim, when contacted, said his office and the relevant agencies would conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the widespread flash floods.
“We are looking at the overall drainage system so that immediate remedial measures can be taken to prevent recurrence of the situation or prevent it from worsening.
“In fact, after the flash flood early this month, the relevant authorities took the necessary measures including clearing the blocked drains.
“But today, I was told that the rain was exceptionally heavy and perhaps the existing drainage system mismatched the fast development in the affected areas while heavy rain worsened the situation” he said.
Hussaini, who is also the District Natural Disaster and Relief Committee chairman, said the operations room would be open 24 hours until the situation improved.