Popular Sabah hot springs hit by floods

 

Sabah Parks staff cleaning up mud and sand left by flood waters at the Poring hot springs area late Tuesday (Dec 14). (Sabah Parks pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Incessant rain around Mount Kinabalu has caused flooding and forced the temporary closure of the popular Poring hot springs.

Sabah Parks Poring station assistant director Fred Tuh said parts of the area, known for its hot sulfur baths, were hit by floods late on Tuesday.

“The flooding occurred between 9.15pm and 9.30pm. Among the most affected areas was the hot water pool which became filled with mud and sand,” he said.

Fred said the flooding was severe enough to cause changes in the flow of several streams in Poring.

“I have been working in this station for more than 20 years but I’ve never seen something like this,” he told FMT.

A damaged part of the Poring hot springs caused by the floods late Tuesday ( Dec 14). (Sabah Parks pic)

He said Sabah Parks staff have been carrying out cleaning work and that the hot baths area would be closed to visitors for at least another two to three days.

“We are trying to clean up the mess caused by the floods as quickly as we can. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there’ll be no more downpours,” Fred added.

Flood water gushing into the Poring hot springs in Sabah late Tuesday (Dec 14). (Sabah Parks pic)

Crowds usually throng Poring on weekends and school holidays drawn by the hot baths, a 43m tall tree top canopy walkway as well as several waterfalls in the area.

The station is part of the 754 sq km Kinabalu Park, which is about two and a half times the size of Penang island. - FMT