Quantity of rations insufficient for some flood victims

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LONG BEMANG, Baram: The quantity of rations reaching some flood evacuees has been insufficient.

Nyurang Liyan from Long Buang said the rations received per family from the Welfare Department on Wednesday included two small cans of sardines.

“How long can these last? For a big family of five or more, two cans would not be enough even for one meal.”

Also in the rations were 5kg of rice, 1kg of cooking oil and sugar, a pack containing five packets of instant noodles, as well as a small packet of tea, coffee and salt.

“The department might have overlooked the number of days affected. They may not realise some bilik have two families.

“What would happen if they are really running out of food supply? I hope that they would look into these aspects before handing the rations out,” he told The Borneo Post.

Nyurang stressed that he and other flood victims are thankful for the immediate aid received but hoped the authorities would examine the amount of food being handed out as both Long Buang and Long Bemang have faced flooding since last Saturday.

Long Bemang community leader Usung Ding said he hoped flood victims in the area would receive compensation from the government for their crops and livestock.

“We hope that the amount is proportionate with the damage to the crops and livestock including household appliances. However, the flood victims must not take advantage of the situation by making unnecessary reports on damage incurred during the flood,” he said. Meanwhile, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said 10,413 people from over 20 Baram villages and longhouses were affected by the floods.

“The number of those affected by the floods could be more as some kampungs and longhouses did not report the incident due to their location and less severe flooding,” he added.

He also reminded villagers to monitor changes in water level and be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if necessary.

“The immediate assistance from SUPP (Sarawak United People’s Party) has arrived in Marudi and is expected to be delivered to those affected in Baram soon. Sarawak Energy Berhad’s aid is expected to be delivered to those affected in Long Bemang tomorrow (today),” added Dennis.

Myy-bp230115-aj-relief-p1 Photo shows the rations supplied to the families affected.

Myy-bp230115-aj-relief-p2 (From left) Dennis speaks to Nyurang about the situation in Long Buang.