No way out: Soil from the landslide at the rear of a house in Kampung Pituru Darat, Kota Belud.
KOTA KINABALU: Intermittent heavy rain over the past few days has triggered a landslide at the back of a house occupied by a family of nine in Kampung Pituru Darat, Kota Belud.
Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun said a team of seven personnel was dispatched to the location, about 15km away, after a distress call was received at 9.14pm on Sunday.
“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.
The family, comprising a man, five women and three children, are currently staying with relatives nearby.
Muhammad Syazwan said the operation ended at 11.15pm after confirming no further danger.
“The continuous rain is believed to have caused the landslide. Together with the Public Works Department, we conducted an inspection, and the area remains unsafe due to the risk of further landslides.
“The relevant authorities have assured the family that assistance will be provided,” he added.
Kota Belud Public Works Department assistant engineer Helmizam Damit said this was the only landslide report received so far.
While the weather has improved, he said they will continue regular inspections over the next few days.
In Kota Marudu, 58 people from 14 families trapped by floodwaters in Kampung Beliajung were rescued by firefighters late Sunday evening.
The victims were two senior citizens, 17 men, 25 women and 14 children.
According to Kota Marudu Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Hasbi Hajat, the team responded to an emergency call at 6.15pm.
They 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, 18km away.
The victims were safely evacuated to a temporary relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Teritipan Hall.
The operation concluded at 9.09pm.
