KOTA KINABALU: As the murky waters of the Kinabatangan River crept higher on Monday (Feb 3) morning, Maidah Koi knew she had no choice but to leave her home.
At 57, battling illness and unable to move without assistance, the decision to evacuate meant an agonising journey for her.
According to rescuers from the Malaysia Civil Defence Department (APM), she has had serious health complications for some time, including stomach bleeding, a lung infection, and the effects of prolonged antibiotic use.
Even the simplest movements are painful for her.
A resident of Kampung Pengkalan Bukit Garam, Maidah decided to relocate to the community hall before the floodwaters left her cut off.
However, at that time, the temporary relief centre there had yet to be activated, leaving her and several neighbours with no choice but to wait and hope the waters would recede.
As the river swelled to dangerous levels, authorities launched an urgent operation to rescue them, the APM said.
Maidah was unable to walk unaided, relying on neighbours and volunteers to help her through the recent crisis.
Despite her pain, the rescue team said she remained composed as they lifted her onto a boat.
Through it all, the rescuers said, she still expressed concern for her neighbours in the face of the devastating floods.
Maidah was among 53 residents from 16 households displaced by floods that hit two villages in Kinabatangan.
According to the state disaster management committee, as of 4pm Monday, a total of 115 victims from 41 families have also been rescued from a village in Tongod.
This brings the current number of evacuees to 208 people from 57 families in the two remaining affected districts, down from thousands across 11 districts last week, following improved weather conditions.
No casualties have been reported.
Nine districts – Beaufort, Kota Marudu, Telupid, Sandakan, Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Beluran, Paitan and Pitas – have declared their relief centres closed.
