PENAMPANG: The Penampang floods, described as the worst since 1999, saw good Samaritans stepping forward to assist others.
The incessant heavy rain yesterday inundated most of the villages and the town in the district.
The rapid currents swept away hundreds of cars, cutting off many roads and disrupting power and water supply in most areas.
Monica Ting was among the concerned community members who waded through the flood at about 1am with her husband to deliver food to stranded villagers in Donggongon.
However, the 37-year-old woman was swept away by the rapid currents and found dead by the authorities a few hours later.
This morning, photos of a man went viral as he navigated the floodwaters in the town area to mark holes, preventing people from falling into them.
A woman known only as Dr Phoebe Ann was seen on a boat, garnering praise from netizens for rescuing cats during the disaster.
Cats were not the only species saved; footage of people rescuing pigs through the floods has also gone viral.
At press time, many have come forward to offer assistance to flood victims, especially those who lost their homes.
Among them is Borneo 1st Chicken Rice restaurant, which helped flood victims with a hot and fulfilling halal meal.
In a Facebook post, the restaurant stated it had engaged a driver in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to deliver 50 packs of chicken rice to Kampung Tuavon, and another car owner helped distribute 50 packs to the Moyog area.
Sabah St John Ambulance also launched its relief effort for flood victims. State commander Ng Ming Syoung and superintendent Sai Jia Sheng announced an extensive relief operation.
Since last night, Sabah St John Ambulance has been actively raising funds and collecting essential supplies to support the flood victims.
In addition to distributing much-needed supplies, the dedicated members provided medical check-ups to ensure the health and well-being of the flood victims.
Sai emphasised that the health and safety of the flood victims are their top priorities.
"Our volunteers are working tirelessly to provide essential health services and ensure that everyone receives the care they need during this difficult time."
For more information or to contribute to the relief effort, the public can contact the Sabah St John Ambulance hotline at 010-379491.