Mandatory evacuation order enforced in Kinabatangan amid rising floodwaters, crocodile threats

 

Authorities enforce mandatory evacuation order following risks including crocodile attack in the district - PIC COURTESY OF SABAH CDF

KINABATANGAN: Due to escalating risks from flooding, including the threat of crocodile attacks, a mandatory evacuation order was enforced in the district yesterday.

This decision came after days of resistance from residents, despite rising floodwaters and repeated warnings from emergency services.

The order covered the Community Hall, all homes within a 100-metre radius of the Jetty Terminal, Kg Muhibbah, Kg Muhibbah Tengah, and Kg Muhibbah Hujung.

According to the civil defence services, there would be an increased presence of predatory reptiles due to frequent water activities by residents.

"The evacuation order was also declared due to other critical safety risks, including rising water levels, stronger currents, and the potential for rescue teams to be overwhelmed if conditions worsened.

"There is also a disease risk from contaminated water and leptospirosis.

"Declaring the area a public restriction zone also makes it easier for safety teams to monitor."

The district has been flooded since April 2.

Only one family was willing to be relocated the next day.

Among the reasons some victims refused to be evacuated were concerns over home break-ins and food scarcity at the shelter.

Following the enforcement, the latest number of evacuees has increased to 132 people from 127 people being relocated this morning. - NST