While global warming has started rearing its ugly head across the globe, Brunei Darussalam is at the shorter end of the stick this time around. Since December 25, there have been continuous torrential rains in the country. This downpour differs from the usual rains, given its severity and the extent of the damage it left behind.
In the village of Kampong Jangsak, located near the Jalan Gadong-Jalan Tutong T-Junction, conditions turned disastrous. Several parked cars got damaged in the rains. Unable to withstand the force of the water, they were seen floating away and were found by the side of the road in damaged conditions. In Kampong Tanjung Bunut, another village located in Brunei-Muara District, a resident’s car washed away under similar circumstances.
The damage caused by these rains wasn’t restricted to material goods. A resident of Kampong Tanjung Bunut was injured when their car gave in to the downpour. The resident received help from professionals as medics were seen carrying the person away.
Brunei-Muara District’s Mukim Kilanas, too, suffered the consequences of heavy rainfall when the rising water levels caused water to enter their houses. As a result, they had to resort to other means of protection, including parking their cars on the side of the common street.
For a couple of days, the Brunei Darussalam’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPABD) issued a high tide warning, with water levels predicted to reach anywhere from 2.4 metres to 2.9 metres.