Five districts in Sabah hit by floods

KOTA KINABALU, June 28 -- Five districts in Sabah - Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Penampang, Keningau, and Tuaran - have been hit by floods due to heavy rains since last night.

In a statement issued today, the Sabah Civil Defence Force said as of this morning, three temporary evacuation centres have been opened up, with two in Kota Belud for 31 victims from 16 families, and one in Penampang with 18 people from five families.

Earlier, the agency reported that 41 villages have been affected.

“A total of 19 villages in Kota Belud have been affected, namely Kampung (Kg) Siasai Tamu, Kg Kota Belud, Kg Bobot, Kg Ejuk, Kg Menunggui, Kg Lebak Engad, Kg Serimbai, Kg Lingkodon, Kg Dongoi, Kg Marajah, Kg Lebak Moyoh, Kg Sadok-Sadok, Kg Gunding, Kg Linau, Kg Karang Benai, Kg Taun Gusi, Kg Tanjung Pasir, Kg Labuan and Kg Tanjung Wakap,” the statement said.

It also stated that several villages in Penampang, Keningau, Kota Marudu and Tuaran have been flooded.

“The flood-prone areas in these districts are being monitored and the most current information will be provided from time to time,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Public Works Department (PWD) director Datuk Richard Jomiji said several roads were affected by landslides caused by the heavy rains which fell for more than three hours yesterday.

“The areas which are badly affected are at Kilometer 41 Jalan Keningau Kimanis. A landslide occurred in the area at 6.30 p.m. yesterday and the roads were blocked.

“The concessionaire company was directed to clear the roads which can now be used by all vehicles,” it said.

-- BERNAMA