KOTA KINABALU: Residents displaced by recent floods in three districts have begun returning home as temporary evacuation centres (PPS) close following improved weather conditions and receding floodwaters.
All eight shelters in Kota Marudu were the first to shut at 10am on Saturday (Feb 1) after assessments confirmed that water levels had fully receded and affected homes were safe for occupancy.
Kota Marudu district officer Meirin Sugara said the closure was based on reports from response agencies that inspected flood-affected areas.
"Considering the favourable weather conditions and the full recovery of water levels, we declare all PPS closed, and affected residents can now return home," he said in a statement.
The Kota Marudu District Disaster Management Committee chairman added that the Disaster Operations Commander has been directed to coordinate personnel, assets, and logistics at PKTK to facilitate the return of evacuees.
"I also request response agencies on the ground to assess whether integrated post-disaster recovery activities are necessary," he said.
Kota Marudu was the hardest-hit district, with 2,360 evacuees from 866 families seeking shelter at eight centres.
In addition to Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and Telupid have also closed their evacuation centres, as confirmed by their district officers, Peter Jiton and Celestine Jetony, at noon and 1pm, respectively.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Beaufort and surrounding districts is improving, with water levels gradually receding in most affected areas.
However, several roads remain accessible only to heavy vehicles, and two schools are still impacted by flooding.
According to a statement by the Beaufort District Disaster Management Committee, heavy rainfall since Jan 24 caused the Padas River to swell, triggering floods across multiple villages in the Keningau Zone (Tenom, Nabawan, Keningau, and Sook) and the Beaufort Zone (Beaufort and Sipitang).
As of Saturday morning, Civil Defence Force (APM) monitoring between 8am and 11am confirmed that water levels in several villages had receded or showed a downward trend.
Villages where waters have fully receded include Kg Batu 60 and Kg Binunuk.
Water levels have decreased in Kg Balibata, Kg Bakalau, and Kg Lago, while Kg Suasa remains stable.
In Kg Kukup and Kg Kangsa, water levels stand at 0.10m and 0.40m, respectively.
"The Padas River is currently below the danger level, with the alert level at 7.50 Amsl, warning at 8.0 Amsl, and danger at 8.70 Amsl. Meanwhile, tide levels are gradually rising but remain within a safe range," the Beaufort District Disaster Management Committee stated.
Due to residual floodwaters, roads leading to Kg Suasa, Kg Lago, Kg Kukup, and Kg Kangsa remain accessible only to heavy vehicles.
Sekolah Kebangsaan Suasa and Sekolah Kebangsaan Lago continue to be affected by flooding, though authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Beaufort APM has deployed four personnel for monitoring and assistance efforts, and residents are advised to remain cautious and follow instructions from authorities as post-flood recovery continues.
Authorities also urge those in affected areas to stay updated on weather forecasts and flood warnings.
Further assessments would determine if additional post-disaster recovery operations are necessary.
