The number of flood evacuees in Sabah has surged to 2,240 people from 771 families, nearly doubling overnight as torrential rains continue to cause widespread disruption across the state.
Kota Marudu remains the hardest-hit district, with 1,467 evacuees from 566 families housed in five temporary relief centres. Other severely affected areas include Telupid (195 evacuees in two centres), Beluran (190 evacuees in three centres), and Sandakan (118 evacuees in one centre).
In Beaufort, 102 people from 29 families have been displaced, while Kota Belud (92 evacuees), Tongod (54 evacuees), and Paitan (22 evacuees) have also reported evacuations.
Authorities say 17 relief centres are in operation, but three are now exceeding their capacity limits—Sekolah Kebangsaan Kota Marudu is at 141.5% capacity, Dewan Kampung Balaban Jaya in Beluran at 128%, and Mini Dewan Kampung Bauto in Telupid at 115.83%.
Rescue operations intensify
The Fire and Rescue Department has deployed boats and trucks to evacuate stranded residents, with operations ramping up as floodwaters rise.
In Kota Belud, five firefighters used a rescue boat to relocate 17 people from Kampung Lingkodon to PPS SK Pekan. Among the victims were nine women, one man, and seven children.
Meanwhile, in Kota Marudu, another rescue was carried out at Taman Beringin, where a Triton truck and a NADMA rescue boat were used to evacuate four people, including a baby, to PPS SMK Bandau.
Rescue operations around the affected areas
Power supply disruptions reported
Authorities say electricity has been cut in several affected districts, including Telupid, Beluran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Ranau, and Lahad Datu, after floodwaters reached power substations.
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has shut down submerged power stations for safety, with Chief Operating Officer Ir. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof confirming that restoration efforts will begin once flood levels recede.
“The safety of Sabahans affected by floods is our priority,” he said.
Emergency response centres have been activated and technical teams are on standby to repair damaged infrastructures. Residents facing power outages have been advised to contact SESB through their emergency hotline.
More rain expected
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue, raising concerns of worsening conditions in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely, with more evacuations expected if floodwaters continue to rise. – January 30, 2025.
