The number of people forced from their homes by severe flooding in Sabah has risen sharply overnight, with 4,122 evacuees now seeking shelter across six districts.

The number of evacuees increased by 15% from 3,579 people in the last 12 hours. 

Authorities say the flood situation remains critical, with emergency response teams working around the clock to assist those affected in Beaufort, Membakut, Keningau, Sook, and Tenom.

According to the Civil Defence Force, which is leading rescue and relief efforts, floodwaters have continued to rise in some areas, although Beaufort has seen a slight drop in evacuee numbers. The situation in Membakut, Sook, and other districts, however, has worsened.

Membakut now has 872 evacuees, up from 737 recorded yesterday evening. Sook has seen the biggest jump, rising from 763 to 1,031 evacuees. In Beaufort, 1,339 people remain displaced, while Tenom and Keningau have 743 and 137 evacuees, respectively.

Floodwaters have also damaged key infrastructure, with landslides and road closures in Keningau, Kimanis, Tenom, and Nabawan. Two bridges in Keningau remain unsafe, further complicating efforts to deliver aid and evacuate residents.

Relief centres are continuing to operate at full capacity, with additional shelters now open in Beaufort, Membakut, and Tenom. Dewan Selagon and Dewan Kesenian Islam Membakut remain among the largest relief centres, housing hundreds of displaced families.

The latest floods come just two months after Sabah’s last major flood disaster, which displaced more than 2,700 people. Officials say more rain is expected in the coming days, and residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to remain alert. – March 10, 2025