FLOODS (Loss of lives and damage to property)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether investigations have been carried out to ascertain the loss and damage as a result of the recent floods; and whether he will inform the House of the number of lives lost and the extent of damage to property.

Mr E. W. Barker: Sir, investigations have been carried out to ascertain the loss and damage caused by the floods of the 10th December, 1969. Preliminary figures show that the damage has been extensive. Five deaths were reported to have been caused by the very heavy rains and the subsequent flooding. Some 10,000 families were affected.

Damage to private farms, properties, and household effects is believed to be substantial, but it is difficult to assess such losses with any degree of accuracy. In the public sector, the damage to buildings, roads, bridges, sewerage pumping stations and other installations is estimated to be $780,000, and to electricity, water and gas installations, about $500,000.