TORRENTIAL rain in the deep interiors of central Sarawak has resulted in hillslope failures and landslides, subsequently causing two key roads on the hills to collapse into the ravines.
The affected roads are Jalan Jiwa Murni (section from Belaga town leading to Bintulu district) and the road from Belaga town to Long Dungan settlement and the upper reaches beyond Long Dungan, according to reports from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department.
These key rural roads link the big population of interior natives in the remote regions of Belaga district to the outside world.
They are the only land routes for the native folks’ daily transportation, food and fuel supplies.
The Belaga Bomba has deployed rescue personnel to the affected locations.
Their ground reports said the roads started cracking up after continuous torrential rain had loosened the hillslopes and triggered landslides.
"These roads have collapsed and are no longer passable to all vehicles.
"The Public Works Department has been informed of these incidents," said the department.
These interior roads are the only link for dozens of populated settlements to Belaga town and onwards to Bintulu.
Aside from populated settlements, these roads are the link to government clinics and schools in the upper reaches.
The transportation of crucial daily necessities such as foodstuffs and fuel had been disrupted too.
Sarawak is still in the midst of the landas season which is the equivalent of the monsoon.
Many parts of this vast state have seen heavy rain and flash floods since early December last year. - January 26, 2025
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