MIRI: The divisional Disaster Management Committee has launched an urgent aerial relief mission to deliver food supplies to flood and landslide victims in the remote interior.
The humanitarian effort is expected to provide much-needed relief to more than 432 Penan residents affected by the disaster, ensuring they have sufficient food supplies until conditions improve.
The operation, which commenced on Monday, involves an Airbus EC135 helicopter operated by Hornbill Skyways, departing from the company’s hangar at Miri Airport.
Miri Division Resident, Galong Luang, said air transport was necessary due to the severe flooding and landslides in the Beluru district, which have rendered land routes inaccessible.
“Today, we are delivering 300kg of essential food supplies to Long Liaw, a Penan settlement in the Ulu Tinjar area. A total of 26 food aid packages will be transported in a single flight,” he said.
He added that the relief effort was a collaborative initiative led by the Sarawak government with multiple agencies, including Hornbill Skyways and the Social Welfare Department.
The mission was carried out by Captain Christine Long Lalo, 44, and Captain James Dario Canero, 58, who took off at 9.39 am.
According to Capt Christine, the operation will involve four to five flights to ensure a total of 1,200kg of food supplies reach three affected villages — Long Liaw, Kampung Apau Nyaring, and Kampung Long Kerong.
“We are committed to ensuring that all aid reaches those who have been cut off due to this disaster,” she said.
Galong also expressed his gratitude to State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, for coordinating the deployment of helicopters to assist disaster victims, as well as to all parties involved in making the mission a success.
Also present at the launch of the mission were Beluru District Officer Charles Aloysius Lisu and officials from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) Miri Division.
