Sabah spared wrath of Tropical Storm Tembin

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been spared the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Tembin that left a trail of death and destruction in the southern Philippines.

Strong winds and wet weather lashed coastal areas of Sabah as the tropical storm was upgraded to a typhoon passed northern Sabah and headed towards Vietnam yesterday.

Meteorologists said the it was moving rapidly in a north-westerly direction across the South China Sea and was about 300km from Kota Kinabalu.

The tail effects of the storm would diminish by Christmas Day, he said.

“We will still be getting some strong winds and rains in the coastal areas but it will not be from the tail effects of the typhoon,” a spokesman for the Meteorological Depart­ment here said yesterday.

No serious incidents were reported to emergency services in the state after strong winds and light and heavy rains were felt over the last two days.

Persistent rainfall triggered flooding in Kota Belud where 12 villages were affected. No evacuations were reported.

The Civil Defence Department is monitoring three rivers – Keda­maian, Tempasuk and Abai – and would act when necessary.

The Tempasuk and Abai rivers were at critical levels while Kada­maian was normal, the department’s spokesman said.

At least 200 people were reported dead and some 144 others missing in southern Philippines after the typhoon triggered landslides and flooding on Saturday.

In Johor Baru, the marine community, especially fishermen, has been advised to be prepared for bad weather and choppy seas during the current monsoon season.

Southern Region Two comman­der Asst Comm Paul Khiu Khon Chiang said monsoon season is a dangerous period for any activity at sea.

“When the weather turns for the worse, please do not go out to sea. Those who are already there must immediately return to shore.

“Always be alert about weather warnings by the authorities because this is the time of year where conditions can be at their worst,” he said yesterday.

ACP Khiu said no matter how experienced a person might be, the sea was a dangerous place and should not be taken lightly.

He also urged boat owners to inspect their vessels before going out to sea.