Chaos as storms hit Sabah west coast

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) recorded six cases of fallen trees and five landslides on the west coast of Sabah due to heavy rain and strong winds that hit the area this morning.

Sabah JBPM operation centre in a statement today, said that two cases of fallen trees occurred in the Papar district, while one case each were in Penampang, Kuala Penyu, Ranau and Beaufort.

“The landslide incidents involve several areas, namely two cases in Lintas and one case each in Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Penampang,” the statement said.

However, it added, no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile in Miri, storms and heavy rains that hit the city for two consecutive days since yesterday had caused havoc in the affected areas.

Compared to yesterday’s storm that lasted about 15 minutes, today saw strong winds and heavy rain lashing the city for more than two hours from 1.30pm, uprooting trees and ripping the roof off of several buildings and houses around the city.

Among affected buildings were Miri central police station and the Miri wet market, however, no injury was reported.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Law Poh Kiong said the department also received calls about an uprooted tree damaging a house and a four-wheel drive vehicle at Jalan Batu 7.

“Firefighters have also removed a fallen tree from the roof of the Miri Marriot Hotel,” said Law, adding that the department was monitoring the situation.

- Bernama