KAPIT: A total of 202 residents of a 32-door longhouse at Nanga Sebilat, Gaat, Baleh here were forced to evacuate their home after it was nearly destroyed by a landslide this morning (Sept 2).
State Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman said no casualties and injuries were reported during the incident.
He said firefighters and other rescue agencies rushed to the scene at about 10am.
“The journey took approximately two hours 30 minutes from Kapit town via speedboat.
“Upon arrival, they found that the landslide had occurred in front of the longhouse. Some of the residents’ storage rooms had collapsed,” he said on Thursday (Sept 2).
He said the cause of the landslide was due to heavy rains overnight resulting in soft soil structures.
Khirudin said the firefighters took the initiative to set up barriers around the rubbles as a warning sign to avoid the affected area.
“We also advised the occupants not to be in the longhouse, which is likely to be affected in the event of another landslide,” he said, adding that the residents were also told to move into their relatives’ or nearest neighbours’ houses.
He added that Bukit Mabong District officer Douglas Pungga Lawang also came down to advise and provide necessary assistance to the residents.
