Parts of Sandakan flooded due to heavy downpour

SANDAKAN: The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) was among the affected areas following the heavy downpour here.

Its founder, Dr Wong Siew, said one of the trees at the entrance walkway fell because of the heavy rain.

"Water levels in many parts of Sandakan have risen, including at BSBCC.

"Luckily so far we only suffered the damage from the fallen tree where the stainless steel handrails need to be replaced.

"Other places are all right despite the rising water levels," he posted on his Facebook page at 4pm.

As a result of the flooding, three children and a woman were also reported to be trapped in Batu 12 here around 1.30pm.

Sandakan fire and rescue station chief Severinus @ Mohd Nidzam Sainkui said they received a distress call regarding the incident at 1.49pm.

He said three personnel and a fire engine were deployed to the scene to rescue the trapped victims.

"The rescue operation was assisted by Civil Defence Force personnel.

"The rescue team proceeded with the operation to evacuate four victims trapped in their house," he said today.

Severinus added that they were also alerted to the flooding in Jalan Kampung Gum-Gum, Batu 16, here.

"A mini bus carrying school students was trapped on a flooded road but it was successfully towed by a lorry.

"All the students involved are safe and the Fire and Rescue Department is monitoring the flooded area," he said.