Sabah floods worsen; water, electricity supply disrupted

 

More evacuation centres are being opened to accommodate flood victims in the state. NSTP/ courtesy of Civil Defence Department

KOTA KINABALU: More evacuation centres are being opened to accommodate flood victims in the state.

As of noon, the number of relief centres increased to nine from seven for 270 victims from 153 villages in nine districts.

The additional two relief centres are Masjid Jamek here and Dewan Tun Said in Kota Belud.

The other seven are Dewan Kampung Kusilad in Pitas, Dewan DSP Mohd Dun Banir in Beaufort, Dewan Binsulung and Dewan Kampung Kubambangan in Paitan, Dewan Likas in Kota Kinabalu, Sports Complex Clubhouse in Penampang and PPR Ketiau multi-purpose hall in Putatan.

Meanwhile, Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang said most of the Penampang constituency, such as Donggongon town, the Bundusan area, Kampung Tunoh and Kampung Hungab, are inundated.

"I am praying that everyone is safe and the rain will stop. Flooding has been an issue that I fight and am looking for solutions.

"I am also urging the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government to expedite providing assistance to flood victims and find ways to get funds for flood mitigation projects; as well as improving the irrigation system in Penampang," she said in a statement, adding that the district disaster committee will mobilise everyone to help in cleaning public areas.

Apart from flooding, several areas in Penampang are also reported to be experiencing power and water supply disruptions.

Notices from utility companies indicate that both utilities are affected by the floods, and that supply would only resume after the situation improves.

A resident, who only wanted to be known as Tan, said even though his housing area was spared from the flood, it is inconvenient without electricity and water.

"It feels like a 'total lockdown' because we are trapped at home and we are neither able to go out, nor call delivery riders for food.

"We are hoping the rain will stop, and that power and water supply will return soon," he added.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a warning of bad weather today for the west coast and interior of Sabah, which include Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau and Tambunan.

Meanwhile, heavy rain is expected for Kudat, Telupid, Beluran and Sandakan until tomorrow. NST