Floods: Farmer drowns after falling into swollen river in Telupid

KOTA KINABALU: A farmer drowned after falling into a swollen river in Telupid, Sunday (Jan 2).

The 60-year-old was trying to cross the Liningkung river to get to an almost submerged house when the strong currents swept him away.

This is the second flood related death in three days since the floods started on Friday (Dec 31).

Beluran OCPD Supt Kasim Muda said villagers found the man unconscious, close to where he was last seen not long after that.

“They brought him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead,” he said in a statement.

He said continuous rains, as well as the expected high tide would most likely to aggravate the situation.

Supt Kasim Muda said the number of evacuees is still increasing as of 8pm.

Meanwhile, the total displaced victims due to floods statewide has reached 1,826 people as of 8pm.

A total of 20 temporary shelters have been opened up in the six affected districts.