KAPIT (Jan 24): The relevant authorities here have been inspecting areas identified as having soil erosion problems here, following several landslides incidents that have been occurring lately.

Led by Kapit District Officer Cerisologo Sabut, the inspection team comprises representatives of the district office, Fire and rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force (APM), Kapit District Council, Public Works Department, as well as local community leaders.

On Thursday, Cerisologo and the team inspected a row of five terraced houses at Jalan Airport, which were badly affected by a landslide that caused severe damage to the kitchens and washrooms.

Then, they inspected Winnie Ngelambong’s house at Taman Tay Thiam Chiong, Jalan Padang Sukan, before proceeding to Tiong Su Sien’s house at Taman Bletih.

Cerisologo met the residents and explained to them the proper standard operating procedures (SOP) in handling disasters.

“The government has the SOP when any disaster occurs, such as landslides.

“Upon receiving the report, the next precautionary measure is to employ the usage of tarpaulin sheets to cover up the affected areas, so as to prevent further occurrence.

“Then the technical department – in this case, the JKR – will compile a report and recommend long-term solutions, such as building a retaining wall.

“The report, with the recommendations, will be submitted to Kapit District Office, which will then forward it to Kapit Resident’s Office and finally, after review, the report will be handed over to the SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee) to facilitate the arrangements for the necessary works,” explained Cerisologo in a statement.

He added: “It’s not like ‘apply today, allocation comes tomorrow’ – there are proper SOPs that must be complied with.

“Thus, we appeal to all those affected to be patient.”