Sandakan flood worsens, landslide reported amid continuous heavy rain

A Civil Defence Force (APM) officer assists a man carrying an infant through floodwaters in Sandakan.

KOTA KINABALU: Continuous heavy rain since Wednesday (March 19) has worsened flooding in Sandakan, forcing evacuations and rescue operations in several affected areas.

A group of nineteen people from three families were relocated to Masjid Indah Jaya after floodwaters inundated their homes in Kampung Tinusa, Kampung Jawa, Taman Fajar, Jalan Sungai Manila, and Batu 7.

The evacuees include four men, three women, eight boys, two girls, and two infants aged three months.

Several other areas, including Kampung Istimewa and Kampung Sungai Anib Batu 10, have also been affected.

In Kampung Istimewa, floodwaters reached knee level, prompting the evacuation of an elderly woman.

In Kampung Sungai Anib Batu 10, about 20 houses were submerged, with water levels rising to waist height. Some families sought shelter with relatives.

Rescue operations are ongoing in Kampung Garinono and Kampung Pertanian Batu 25, where water levels have reached five feet, cutting off access to the main road.

Thirteen people from four families have been relocated to the temporary relief centre at Masjid Nur Hidayah, Kampung Garinono Batu 25.

Authorities have also confirmed a landslide at Jalan Cecily in Sandakan between 8:10am and 8:30am Thursday.

Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel inspected the site and found no new soil movements. The road, which was initially closed by police, was later reopened by the public.

Meanwhile, in Beluran, the District Disaster Management Committee declared a flood disaster in Kampung Sungai Nangka and Kampung Balaban at 11:00pm on Wednesday.

As of 9am Thursday, 65 people from 18 families have been evacuated to two temporary relief centres at Dewan Kampung Sungai Nangka and Dewan Kampung Balaban. The situation in Beluran is still developing, with the number of evacuees increasing.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a continuous rain warning for several regions, including Sandakan and Beluran, from March 20 to March 21. Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, avoid travelling through flooded roads, and adhere to evacuation orders for their safety.

The situation remains fluid, with emergency services on high alert as rescue efforts continue. - Star