KOTA KINABALU – Two earthquakes that hit Ranau, a popular highland tourism hotspot in Sabah, are not a cause for grave concern, said experts and the authorities.
Geologist Prof Felix Tongkul said the tremors are weak and quite common. “These small magnitude earthquakes are quite common in this region,” he said.
Two weak earthquakes were detected in Ranau Sabah at 11.10pm yesterday and 1.05am and this morning.
Landslides are common natural disasters in Ranau, especially after an earthquake or incessant rains.
Ranau resident Yusdy Mohd Rosle told The Vibes he could barely feel the earthquakes, but the incident reminded him of the 2015 earthquake.
“I woke up this morning and saw on WhatsApp group where people are talking about the tremors. I slept early last night. I could barely feel it,” he said.
Kinabalu Park ranger Yassin Miki said there’s no obvious physical damage at the park in Kundasang, Ranau, some 100km from Kota Kinabalu.
He said climbing activities remain uninterrupted due to the earthquakes.
On January 20, a massive landslide destroyed a large part of the Kinabalu Park’s parking area and the Sabah government needed RM40 million to repair the damage. – The Vibes, April 19, 2021
