Parts of Kota Kinabalu flooded after heavy rain

 

Continuous rainfall is expected over western Sabah and Labuan until tomorrow, according to a meteorological forecast. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Continuous heavy rain this evening caused floods in the west coast districts of Sabah, especially in Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Penampang.

The flooded areas included Likas, Tebobon, Sepanggar and Menggatal in Kota Kinabalu; Telipok, Rugading and Gayang in Tuaran; and Donggongon, Bundusan and Sugud in Penampang.

Several roads were also affected, resulting in traffic congestion. Vehicles parked on the roadside and the ground floors of some nearby shops were also inundated by floodwaters.

The affected roads include Jalan Menggatal (Tebobon) and Jalan Sepanggar in Kota Kinabalu, Jalan Salut in Tuaran, and Jalan Panglima Banting in Penampang.

Sabah fire and rescue department assistant director of operations Misran Bisara said so far, the department had received a report of flooding in Kampung Mansiang, Menggatal, involving nine victims, and firefighters and other agencies were providing assistance.

Misran said two houses were flooded at 3.27pm and the trapped victims were evacuated by firemen.

He urged members of the public to keep abreast of the locations of their family members during this period of uncertain weather and to seek help from the authorities in difficult situations.

The Sabah civil defence force said there were reports of flooding in the Penampang district and that an evacuation centre has been opened for the victims.

He said Jalan Sugud in the district was passable to heavy vehicles, while Jalan Maang, which was also flooded, could still be used by all types of vehicles.

The water level at Sungai Moyoq is at a dangerous level and residents in the area have been advised to be vigilant at all times, he said.

The meteorological department has issued a warning of continuous rain for the west coast and interior areas of Sabah and Labuan. The heavy rain is expected to continue until tomorrow. - FMT