25 stranded tourists rescued in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Twenty-five holidaymakers at a resort in the northern Kota Belud district had to be rescued after they were stranded when floodwaters submerged a road.

A state Fire and Rescue Services Department spokesman said that during the 6am incident yesterday, all the victims were moved out of the area to higher ground at a nearby homestay.

The victims, including 20 women, had been travelling in six vehicles when they could not pass through a flooded road around a resort in Kg Melangkap Baru, Kota Belud.

“Their cars could not pass through. Upon inspection, our men advised the victims to go to a safe place.

“They then helped the victims out of the area using the hauling system,” he said.

The victims were later picked up by their family members from the homestay.

Although the flood had been receding since 9am, the spokesman said the six vehicles are still trapped in the area.

In the line of duty: Firemen ­helping the stranded victims cross a river in Sabah’s Kota Belud district.

In Kampung Tanjung Aru Baru, strong waves during high tide and heavy rains battered the coast, sweeping away two houses and damaging nine others.

The two wooden stilt houses collapsed during the incident on Thursday night, following the high tide that began at 5pm.

Kota Kinabalu City deputy chief Supt Kalsom Idris said based on their inspection, 12 houses and several wooden walkways were affected by the waves.

“We have instructed all the residents to evacuate for safety reasons,” she said, adding that as of Thursday night, 273 people from 32 families were affected.

“The victims are taking shelter at the Tanjung community centre while some have gone to live with their relatives.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as the high tide phenomenon is expected to continue,” she said, adding that no casualties were reported.

As of yesterday, many residents have returned home but were advised to be prepared to evacuate in case of high tide and strong waves.

Meteorologists have forecast heavy rains and floods to continue in Sabah until Boxing Day on Dec 26.