KOTA KINABALU: Flooding in Sabah has shifted towards the south-western districts, affecting areas including Sook, Sipitang, Beaufort, Membakut and Tenom.
As of 4pm on Wednesday (Feb 25), rescue teams were still working to transport displaced residents to relief centres opened earlier in the day, while registration of evacuees continued.
Hundreds of villages, homes, vehicles and other properties are feared damaged, although the full extent of losses has yet to be determined. Road access to many affected areas has been nearly or completely cut off.
Some villagers were reported to have made early preparations, having remained vigilant following floods that struck other parts of the state earlier.
Last week, flooding hit the northern and eastern regions of Sabah, displacing more than 5,000 people in Pitas, Paitan, Kota Marudu, Sandakan and Beluran.
To date, more than 1,000 people remain at temporary shelters in Pitas, although all are expected to return home soon.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin said 27 schools across six districts remain closed due to flooding. Beaufort recorded the highest number, with 14 schools affected.
