KOTA KINABALU, Sept 17 – A total of 2,955 individuals have been relocated across six districts in Sabah due to a string of natural disasters including floods, fires and landslides, with 13 fatalities recorded to date.
The figure was released by the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), confirming that six districts have been officially declared disaster zones.
Penampang remains the worst affected area with 940 evacuees, followed by Membakut (883), Putatan (553), Beaufort (273), Papar (247) and Tawau (59).
As of 8pm on Tuesday, 23 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) have been activated to accommodate those impacted.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), weather conditions on Tuesday were generally favourable, as observed through radar imaging.
However, authorities warn that the country is nearing the end of the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 10. With weakening winds from the southwest, there is an increase in convective cloud formation, raising the likelihood of prolonged thunderstorms and heavy rain, particularly in eastern Sabah.
Wind convergence is expected to persist in the region until Thursday, bringing further risk of severe weather events.
In a statement shared via the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA)’s official Facebook page, its Director-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah was reported to have visited landslide sites at Kampung Gonipis and Serapung, as well as Country Heights Apartment in Minitod, Penampang on Tuesday to assess the damage and meet with affected residents.
NADMA, citing data from the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG), identified eight high-risk slopes in Penampang and Papar districts that are vulnerable to landslides and flash floods. These include areas in Country Heights Apartment, Kampung Madsiang, Kampung Sugud, Kampung Timpangoh, Kampung Keanapan, Kampung Dimbata, Bukit Kulinting in Penampang and Kampung Limbahau in Papar.
Among the sites that have already experienced landslides are Country Heights Apartment and Kampung Madsiang in Penampang.
Emergency response efforts have seen the mobilisation of 652 personnel from various agencies: the Royal Malaysia Police (366), Civil Defence Force (160), Fire and Rescue Department (55), Malaysian Armed Forces (35), and the People’s Volunteer Corps (36).
In Tebobon, Inanam, residents reported minor landslides near their homes and have been advised to relocate to safer areas as a precaution. The matter has been referred to the relevant authorities for further action.
Meanwhile, social media has been abuzz with residents sharing images and updates of the devastation in their areas, including damage to homes and infrastructure.
While awaiting government aid, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have stepped in, providing food supplies, transportation assistance and helping with clean-up efforts in affected neighbourhoods. – Borneo Post
