Villagers evacuated as flash floods hit Kunak

KOTA KINABALU: Flash Floods have hit Sabah’s southeastern Kunak district amid a scorching dry spell felt across the rest of the state.

So far, 26 people have been evacuated in Kunak following rain in the east coast since last Thursday (Feb 15).

Twenty of the flood victims were rescued by Fire and Rescue Department personnel from Kampung Airport Kunak early Tuesday (Feb 20).

“There were five houses that were flooded and the occupants had sought help from the authorities to be moved to a safer location,” said a department spokesman, adding that the distress call was made at 3.20am.

“The victims included a physically disabled man, seven children and a baby,” he added.

The spokesman said firefighters, together with other rescue agencies, transferred the victims with help from other villagers who used their own boats in the exercise.

“Presently, there are 26 people who have been evacuated to the temporary flood relief centre at Kampung Airport Kunak,” he said.

The rescue efforts were completed at 6.55am, the spokesman added.

Since late last week, the southeastern districts namely Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau have reported higher rainfall since last Thursday but the rest of Sabah remained dry with the end of the northeast monsoon season last week.