Floods: 65 victims evacuated in Paitan, Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sixty-five people from 16 families in the Paitan district were evacuated to temporary relief centres after their homes were flooded on Tuesday (Jan 24) evening.

The Sabah Disaster Management Committee secretariat’s spokesperson said 33 victims from nine families were taking shelter at Dewan Kampung Kumbambangan while 32 people from seven families were being housed at Dewan Kampung Batangon Darat, as of 8pm on Tuesday.

"The floods occurred due to continuous heavy rain since this morning and the clash between seawater and river water in Paitan.

"The number of evacuees is expected to increase," he told Bernama when contacted.

Meanwhile, State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Misran Bisara said the department received reports on flooding at Kampung Sibaung, Pitas, and the firefighters were evacuating the victims.

He said the department also received a report about a landslide that occurred next to a house in Kampung Sungai Karang, Kudat, and checks revealed there was no structural damage to the home.

"However, the residents are advised to evacuate due to unsafe and risky conditions. No casualties were reported," he added.

Paitan, Pitas and Kudat districts are located in the northern region of Sabah. Kudat is the closest district to Kota Kinabalu, located approximately 185 kilometres north.

In a statement issued at 8.30pm on Tuesday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said thunderstorms were expected to occur in the interiors of Sabah, involving Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Nabawan, and Keningau, until 1am. - Bernama