More than 1,100 people have been displaced and around 10,000 residents affected by severe flooding in Pitas, with authorities expanding relief efforts in the Sabah district. 

Pitas Disaster Management Committee Chairman Asdi Mohd Faizal Hussin said the number of evacuees surged to 1,117 individuals from 427 households within 24 hours after flooding disaster was declared. 

“Seven temporary relief centres have been opened to accommodate the growing number of evacuees,” he said in a statement Saturday night. 

The largest group is being housed at SK Pekan II, which opened on Friday afternoon and currently shelters 590 evacuees from 237 households, including senior citizens, children, and infants. 

Dewan Kusilad, which opened on Friday night, is accommodating 136 evacuees from 43 households, while SK Salimpodon Darat is hosting 83 people from 28 households. 

Other relief centres include Balairaya Kg Lugu, which houses 66 evacuees, Rumah Sonsogon Kg Sosop Bai with 11 evacuees, Rumah Budaya Kg Mandamai with 54 evacuees, and SK Dandun, which shelters 237 individuals.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has reported water levels at Sungai Kabatsan at 3.68m and Sungai Bengkoka at 2.11m, both classified as warning levels. 

Improved weather conditions have allowed 15 of 16 affected roads to reopen, although Jalan Kampung Kusilad remains submerged.

Asdi urged residents to remain cautious and comply with evacuation orders to ensure their safety. 

He also reminded those leaving their homes to disconnect gas cylinders, turn off electricity, and secure their properties. – January 18, 2025.