Number of Sabah flood evacuees rises; thunderstorms loom

SIPITANG: A total of 127 people are currently being sheltered at the district multipurpose hall after flood inundated four villages here.

The 46 families are from Kampung Mesapol Lama, Kampung Kelamauh, Kampung Tunggul Tinggi and Kampung Lalang.

Sabah Civil Defence director Colonel Muliadi Al-Hamdi Ladin said more people might be evacuated as heavy thunderstorms are expected to hit the interior in the next few days.

The evacuation centre was opened yesterday as the situation worsened following continuous rain since Saturday.

"As of 9.40am, the weather is cloudy, but all evacuees are not allowed to return home. We are monitoring the affected villages and flooded roads," said Muliandi.

Meanwhile, in Kota Belud, villagers of Kampung Pituru Darat had to use boats and rafts for transportation as the village road leading to the main road is flooded.

Muliandi said there is no alternative route to the main road and that Civil Defence personnel are at the village to assist residents.