KOTA KINABALU – Heavy downpours in various parts of western Sabah have caused flash floods, disconnected a road, and forced several schools to be closed.
Netizens have reported flooding in Lok Kawi and Kinarut in Papar, as well as in Keningau, Tenom, and Beaufort.
Kg Sugud in Penampang, which saw major flooding and landslide in September last year, was also not spared as high waters were reported in the area yesterday.
Late afternoon rainfall has been recorded in these areas over the past two to three days.
A road in Tenom also caved in after flowing water collected underneath the road.
Sabah Education Director Datuk Mistrine Radin today announced the closure of eight schools in the Beaufort, Penampang, and Tenom districts.
The schools are SMK St Paul, SK Lago and SK Bakau in Beaufort; SK Gumisi, SK Ladong Sapong, SJKC Yuk Syn, and SK Inubai in Tenom; and SK Tombovo in Penampang.
“The floods forced 985 students to undergo online classes until the floods recede,” she told reporters here today.
The Meteorological Department noted the change of the monsoon to the southwestern monsoon season, which will bring about dry days ahead.
However the department noted that strong winds and thunderstorms can be expected due to the squall line formation in the west coast of the peninsula and west of Sabah.
“During the southwestern monsoon season, haze is also expected due to the uncontrolled open burning between August and October,” the department said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Force reported water levels in Sg Padas and Sg Pegalan in Tenom reaching dangerous levels following the heavy rainfall.
The same was with the water levels in Sg Padas and Sg Membakut in Beaufort, the agency reported.
The Civil Defence Force said 13 villages in Tenom have been affected by the heavy rainfall. It declared the district as being under disaster at 7am today.
The agency listed 36 villages affected by the floods in Beaufort alone. – The Vibes, May 10, 2022
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