KOTA KINABALU: Early warning systems are on the cards for Sabah this year, especially on geological disasters such as landslides.
Between 1961 and 2023, Sabah recorded 192 landslides.
Sabah Mineral and Geoscience director Dr Frederick Francis Tating said that several areas had been identified for the systems after studies on geological mapping in Sabah were completed recently.
"One of the areas is Mesilau in Kundasang, where there was a major mud flood.
"They are planning to instal an early warning system for debris flow there," he told the media after the half-day presentation on the final report of the latest study at Kampung Mohimboyon in Kundasang here.
The four-month study ended last month.
Frederick said the early warning system would also be placed for Mohimbayan.
The latest slope-mapping study confirms Kundasang has various degrees of geological disasters risks.
The survey found that the village has 52 slopes and 40 landslides which showed instability risks.
During the presentation, it was indicated that the worst-case scenario would see disasters happen in a few minutes in an area of about 2,000 people including school-going children.
The presentation also mentioned records of earth movement of between 0.01mm up to 5 metres; presence of cracks at premises; and landslides in the district of about 30,000 people.
Frederick said those findings would be shared with relevant stakeholders especially those involved in development sectors in Ranau.
The department came up with several resolutions including using the department NATSIS system for future land application and disaster management operations.
"The system can help reduce project costs and time by identifying geological disaster risks at proposed project sites earlier, thereby mitigating potential hazards.
"There is also a need to integrate data between agencies to serve as a reference for future development planning."
Frederick also said the maps produced should include elements such as safe zones for use by the Disaster Operations Control Centre.
"Additionally, any infrastructure development, such as the construction of school buildings in areas at risk of geological disasters, requires early planning to ensure the suitability of site selection based on the level of threat.
"Development in geologically sensitive areas must consider expert advice from technical agencies and refer to seismic hazard levels, as well as the presence of active faults in the area."