Kota Belud villagers evacuate due to floods

Flood hit villagers at the Tun Said Community hall after being evacuated early Tuesday following flooding that hit some 26 villages along the Kadamaian river on Tuesday.

KOTA KINABALU: Some 129 people from villages in flood prone Kota Belud district were evacuated overnight after Sungai Kadamaian overflowed its banks following heavy rains in west coast Sabah since late Monday.

As of 7.30am Tuesday, evacuees from 26 kampungs remained at the Tun Said Community Hall amid improving weather conditions.

Civil Defence personnel are continuing to monitor the situation as more monsoon rains are expected to hit the state over three to four days.

“Flood waters are receding but we are still monitoring as we are expecting more rains later,” a spokesman said.

Among the kampungs badly affected are Donggoi, Marajah, Gunding, Sadok-Sadok, Sembirai, Lingkodon, Linau, Suang Punggur, Menunggui, Song-Song, Sangkir, Karang Benai, Kota Bungan and Tawadakan.

Several roads were also flooded with some not passable to light vehicles.

Some 144 personnel from the civil defence, firemen, police and also volunteers are involved in the evacuation of the victims.