Mook Landslide: Survivor Recounts 'Cries For Help' As Sister, Nephew Perish

PAPAR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- A survivor recalled hearing cries for help during the landslide in Kampung Mook, Kinarut, here today.

Edna Johnny, 36, who lost her 38-year-old sister and 11-year-old nephew in the disaster, said her sibling's home, located at the foot of a hillside, was the worst hit.

"During the landslide, I heard cries for help, but I wasn't sure if it was my sister's voice," said the mother of two.

Edna added that during the incident, she was resting in her room when she was jolted by a loud crashing sound, akin to a tree falling on a zinc roof.

"Upon hearing the sound, my husband and I immediately jumped out of the window with our two children. I was solely focused on saving myself and my children," she told Bernama.

Edna said they only realised her sister and nephew were buried after they got outside, but by then, there was nothing they could do.

She also witnessed her sister and nephew's bodies being carried out in white plastic bags.

Earlier, a video of Edna's brother-in-law went viral on social media in which he pleaded for anyone with an excavator to help rescue his wife and son, who were trapped in the landslide.

"Please help me first, anyone with a 'cav' (excavator), Hitachi or whatever, please send it to me, help me, my wife and child are inside," he begged in the recording.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Pisar Aziz said they received an emergency call about the landslide at Kampung Mook, Kinarut, at 10.02 am.

"Both victims were located and extricated by the rescue team after nearly four hours of search and rescue operations. The victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel at the scene," he said.

-- BERNAMA