Water Bombing Slows 105-hectare Bushfire In Mukah
Mukah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Nicholas Belulin said the firefighting operation was carried out by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) using an Mi-171 helicopter equipped with an underslung water bombing system.
'A total of four water bombings were carried out at 3.30 pm, releasing 6,360 litres of water over the affected area,' he said in a statement early this morning.
'This prompt action managed to slow the fire's movement and helped prevent it from spreading to nearby areas,' he added.
However, the operation was halted after 42 minutes due to technical issues with the aircraft's system.
'Inspection found that several components need to be replaced, and the spare parts will be delivered by the maintenance team via road tonight,' he said.
Nicholas added that yesterday's operation was conducted in hazy conditions, with visibility at around eight kilometres and winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 15 knots.
According to him, the bushfire in Mukah was first detected on July 24, and firefighting efforts have been ongoing in stages since then.
'The Fire and Rescue Department has been conducting aerial monitoring and creating fire breaks to prevent the blaze from spreading further into oil palm plantations and nearby settlements.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Borneo Post
3,293 flood-affected households in Penampang receive aid
Flood victims receiving aid at KDCA on Wednesday. – Bernama photo PENAMPANG (Aug 6): A total of 3,293 heads of household (KIR) affected by the floods in Penampang district between June 30 and July last year have received compassionate aid (Bantuan Wang Ihsan – BWI), disbursed through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the distribution of aid amounting to over RM3 million is being carried out in stages starting Wednesday until Friday, in collaboration with the Penampang District Council (MPPg), held at the KDCA Hall, Penampang. 'This aid can never fully replace the losses, trauma and exhaustion experienced, but it reflects the commitment of various parties to assist residents affected by the floods. 'It is the result of collaborative efforts across agencies, from leaders to civil servants in numerous ministries, agencies, and departments, to ensure the funds are properly allocated and delivered to the affected households,' he said. He said this when met by reporters after officiating the aid handover ceremony at KDCA Hall on Wednesday. Ewon said several initiatives have been implemented and are ongoing to strengthen disaster management and reduce the impact of flooding in the Penampang district. 'These include the installation of early warning systems in the form of sirens in several frequently affected villages such as Kampung Kodundungan, Nambazan, Penampang Proper, Putaton, Kolopis and Sugud. 'This measure aims to provide earlier alerts to residents to prepare for any eventuality,' he said. He added that 21 buildings, including schools, community halls and churches in high-risk areas, are being proposed for gazettement as temporary evacuation centres. He also stressed the importance of the ongoing flood mitigation projects under Package 1 and Package 3, and stated that follow-up projects are also being planned to support these efforts. At the same time, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, together with MPPg, continues to carry out river and drainage maintenance works as a long-term measure to reduce the risk of recurring floods. 'I hope that with all these efforts, including support from all relevant stakeholders, we can prevent severe flood disasters like those that have occurred in the past,' he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
South Korea in high alert amid heavy rain forecast
People walk holding umbrellas in the rain at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul, in this June 20, 2025, file photo. - Photo: Yonhap file SEOUL: (Bernama-Yonhap) Heavy rain is expected to affect most regions of South Korea on Sunday (Aug 3), with downpours of up to 150 millimetres forecast in southern areas through Tuesday (Aug 5), Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the state weather agency. Rain will begin in the southwestern provinces and Jeju during the day, then gradually spread to the southeastern and central regions before covering most of the country, except for areas along the East Sea, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The rainfall is expected to continue through Tuesday, with precipitation reaching up to 150 mm in the southern regions, including the southern port city of Busan. The administrative city of Sejong and other central regions are forecast to receive up to 100 mm of rain. In particular, heavy downpours of 50 to 80 mm per hour are expected at night along parts of the southern coast of South Jeolla Province, around Mount Jiri and in Jeju's mountainous areas, the agency added. Strong winds are also forecast for the west coast of South Jeolla Province, with gusts exceeding 20 meters per second later in the day. "Residents are urged to monitor the weather updates frequently, avoid unnecessary outings as much as possible and steer clear of risky areas, such as riverside trails, slopes and low-lying roads. Visitors at beaches and campgrounds should exercise caution and evacuate in advance, if needed," a local government official said. Last month, South Korea was hit by heavy rains and landslides, which took 23 lives and left five others unaccounted for nationwide. As the rain moves in, heat wave advisories are expected to be gradually lifted or eased. Daytime high temperatures will range between 29 and 34 degrees Celsius, similar to or slightly higher than seasonal norms, the KMA said. - Bernama-Yonhap
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Kuala Nerus relocates 100 graves at risk from coastal erosion
KUALA NERUS: The phased relocation of 100 graves at the Pengkalan Maras Muslim cemetery in Batu Rakit begins today, following severe coastal erosion that threatens to wash away numerous burial sites. Terengganu Mufti Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Haron said the relocation, approved by the Mufti's Office and carried out by the Kuala Nerus Islamic Affairs Department with support from the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM), the Kuala Nerus District Office, local village committees and residents, is essential to prevent greater problems. The graves will be moved to the new Hajar Muslim cemetery at Kampung Gong Awang Lib, approximately two kilometres inland, with efforts prioritised to complete the transfer before the upcoming monsoon season worsens the erosion. This action follows a November 2024 incident where the remains of five deceased, including three still wrapped in shrouds, were swept away by waves, forcing emergency reburials at Pengkalan Maras. Local residents welcomed the move, expressing relief and gratitude. Norhayati Sulaiman, 51, who feared visiting her father's grave located just two metres from the shoreline, described the relocation as a resolution to her long-standing worries. Meanwhile, Laila Othman, 57, found emotional comfort attending the transfer of her late husband's grave. Bernama's observation at the century-old cemetery noted that as of midday today, five sets of remains had been successfully exhumed and relocated. - Bernama
