MORE than 1,300 people have been forced to evacuate across several districts in Sabah after continuous heavy rain yesterday.
As of last night, Kota Marudu recorded the highest number of evacuees, with 1,083 people housed in five temporary relief centres (PPS). In Lahad Datu, 80 people sought shelter in two PPS, while Beluran recorded 174 evacuees across three centres.
Emergency response efforts have intensified, with the Fire and Rescue Department deploying multiple assets, including trucks and boats, for flood rescues.
In Kota Belud, five firefighters and a rescue boat were deployed to evacuate 17 residents from Kampung Lingkodon. The victims, including nine adult women, one adult man, and seven children, were safely relocated to PPS SK Pekan.
In Kota Marudu, another rescue was carried out at Taman Beringin, where a Triton truck and a NADMA rescue boat were used to evacuate four victims, including a baby, to PPS SMK Bandau.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued continuous rain warnings for Sabah, with showers expected to persist throughout the day.
Adding to the crisis, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) confirmed that power supply has been disrupted in several flood-hit areas, including Telupid, Beluran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Ranau, and Lahad Datu.
SESB Chief Operating Officer Ir. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof said technical teams are on standby to conduct immediate repairs, while power stations submerged by floodwaters have been shut down for safety.
“The safety of Sabahans affected by floods is our priority. Power restoration will be carried out as soon as conditions are safe,” he said.
SESB has also activated emergency operation centres in all affected districts.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, warning that flood waters may rise if heavy rain persists. - January 30, 2025.
