KOTA KINABALU: Floods struck low-lying areas in Penampang as Sungai Moyog broke its banks following heavy rains on Monday evening.
Authorities activated the District Disaster Relief Committee and opened the State Cultural Centre building to be used as the main temporary relief centre for the neighbouring district.
The floods affected low-lying villages from around 10pm and although the water level has receded, the situation at Sungai Moyog remains precarious.
James Anselmus from Kampung Kambau said he was not able to sleep as the floods struck last night and his surroundings remained inundated until the wee hours.
"I rent a housing unit near the (SM St Michael secondary) school and it's my first experience of seeing water rising from the nearby river," the food delivery rider said.
Although his rented home was not affected, some houses in the surrounding area were inundated, he said.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue department said the first distress call was made around 10pm from Kampung Penampang Proper and later around midnight from Kampung Kasigui.
A total of 11 victims were rescued and sent to the state cultural centre as of midnight, he said adding they remain on alert for more calls.
Flash floods struck many low-lying areas in the district yesterday (Feb 13) during the heavy downpour from about 5pm, bringing traffic to a near standstill in the district.
Among the routes not passable for regular vehicles were Sigah roundabout, Jalan Penampang Proper, Jalan Kibabaig, Jalan Panglima Banting, Jalan Kolopis, Jalan Kasigui and Jalan Koimadang, the Civil Defence department reported.