KENINGAU: A toddler and an infant were swept away in a flash flood in Sungai Talangkai Karamatoi Ulu, Sook here.
The victims Norsifah Asrul, 3, and her three-month-old brother Muhd Fadli Asrul were said to have slipped from their parents' grasp as they were preparing to have their bath during the incident, which occurred around 5pm yesterday.
District police chief Superintendent Yampil Anak Garai said the family was in the living room of their plantation workers' quarters, located about 20 metres from the river, where the father works.
He added that the river level suddenly surged, overflowing its banks and sweeping away the workers' quarters, creating chaos and an uncontrollable situation.
He further added that heavy rain had fallen for several hours before the incident, but the family did not anticipate a flash flood, describing the event as the first of its kind in the area.
"Before the flash flood hit, the father had checked outside after hearing other workers shouting about what they called an 'earthquake.'
"However, in an instant, the floodwaters rushed into their home. The father managed to return inside, where the mother was holding the baby (Muhd Fadli), while the father held Norsifah.
"Unfortunately, both children slipped from their parents' grasp after the house was struck by logs that were also swept away by the flood," Yampil said when contacted today.
Yampil added that a search and rescue (SAR) operation for the two children is underway, involving police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and local villagers.
"The clothing worn by the victims at the time of the incident included a white shirt and pink shorts for Muhd Fadli, while Norsifah was wearing a white/red dress."
The parents, who were also swept away by the strong floodwaters, sustained injuries and are currently receiving further treatment at Keningau Hospital.