MIRI – Power lines toppled by fallen trees due to turbulent winds have led to power disruptions in numerous northern Sarawak districts in recent days.
The electricity supplier for the state, Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), today explained that many localities in districts and subdistricts, including those as far away as about 120km from Miri city, have been hit by blackouts since last Sunday.
SEB power distribution department vice-head Yusri Safri today said that among the affected populated areas are Miri city, Bakam, Bekenu, Sg Rait, Beraya and Niah.
Niah to Miri is a distance of 120km.
Yusri said many fallen trees had toppled power lines and cut off electricity supply.
“Our teams have been on the ground trying to restore power supply and repair damaged poles and lines.
“The fallen lines are dangerous as they are deemed to be loaded with electric current.
“Members of the public must be very careful not to go near any fallen lines. They must alert us for help,” he said in a statement.
Yusri said SEB has deployed mobile generator sets to affected areas and ground teams are on standby for any further incidents of power outages.
Since Sunday, fierce winds have lashed parts of Miri city and other districts of northern Sarawak as the turbulent weather persists over this part of Borneo.
The force of the wind uprooted and toppled trees in various parts of the city and the coastal shores of Bekenu and Niah.
Miri Civil Defence Unit head Usman Harto said teams were deployed to the ground after receiving alerts from the public.
“Trees with their trunk the size of a car tyre had fallen,” he said.
Other residential areas also saw trees uprooted and blocking roads, with several houses damaged when trees fell onto the roofs.
No serious injuries have been reported so far. The bad weather continues, with heavy rains and strong winds lashing many parts of Miri and other northern Sarawak districts. – The Vibes, July 13, 2022
