KOTA KINABALU: Intermittent heavy rains triggered a landslide that struck a house in Kampung Pituru Darat of Kota Belud.
The occupants – a family of nine consists of a man, five women and three children – have moved to stay with the relatives nearby.
Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun said a seven-member rescue team was sent to the scene, about 15km from here, following a distress call at 9.14pm on Sunday (Jan 12).
“The team, led by operations commander Jasreen Mar, assessed the situation and found that soil from the landslide had covered the back of the house. They immediately instructed the residents to evacuate,” he said.
Muhammad Syazwan said the operation was called off at 11.15pm after confirming no further immediate danger.
"The continuous rainfall is believed to have caused the landslide," Muhammad Syazwan noted, adding that the area remains unsafe due to the risk of further landslides.
Kota Belud Public Works Department assistant engineer Helmizam Damit said this was the only landslide reported so far.
Despite improved weather, regular inspections are planned for the next seven days, he said.
Meanwhile in Kota Marudu, 58 people from 14 families trapped by floodwaters in Kampung Beliajung have been rescued by firefighters late Sunday evening.
Kota Marudu Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Hasbi Hajat said the team, which responded to an emergency call at 6.15pm, deployed 11 personnel with a fire truck, a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a boat from the National Disaster Management Agency, to the flood-hit area some 18km away.
The victims, including two senior citizens, 17 men, 25 women and 14 children, were safely evacuated to a temporary relief centre at SK Teritipan Hall.
