TORRENTIAL rainfall has unleashed severe flooding across Sabah’s east coast and interior regions, displacing hundreds and disrupting critical infrastructure.
In Kota Marudu, authorities have evacuated 127 residents to two relief centres: SK Ranau and SMK Bengkongan.
Floods have submerged homes and rendered roads impassable, with Kampung Pancur among the hardest-hit areas.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Civil Defence Force (APM), conducted overnight operations to bring affected families to safety.
The flooding is exacerbated by the swelling of Sungai Bandau and Sungai Bongon, both located within the Kota Marudu district.
As of 11 pm on January 28, Sungai Bandau reached a level of 4.93 meters, approaching its warning threshold of 5.90 meters.
Concurrently, Sungai Bongon surged to 7.14 meters, surpassing its alert level of 7.00 meters.
In Beluran, floodwaters have submerged a critical section of the Telupid-Sandakan road near Kilometer 70 at the Sapi Nangoh roundabout, effectively severing the main route between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu.
Authorities have declared the road impassable and are advising motorists to seek alternative routes.
On the east coast, Lahad Datu faces significant flooding, with villages such as Sapagaya, Tamoi Baru, and Tamoi Lama submerged.
Rising waters have made several roads inaccessible, particularly for smaller vehicles.
In Kinabatangan, areas including Kampung Kasih Sayang, Kampung Paris Satu, and Kampung Paris Tiga are among the worst affected.
Emergency teams are actively evacuating residents to temporary relief centres, while some individuals have sought refuge with relatives. - January 29, 2025
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