Floods hit 10 villages in Sabah - Floods hit 10 villages in the northern Sabah district of Kota Marudu forcing more than 200 people to flee their home

Floods hit 10 villages in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Floods hit 10 villages in the northern Sabah district of Kota Marudu, about 120km from here, forcing more than 200 people to flee their homes.

The floods came after nearly a week of continuous rain, which also resulted in the temporary closure of the Bandau and Simpangan water treatment plants.

Among the affected villages were Tonsom, Bingkongan, Pancur, Langkon Baru and Batu 4. The others are Marudu Laut, Tambun, Popok Laut, Parong and Kuranji.

Some roads leading to Kota Marudu, including the stretches at Sungai Ulu Kukut and Menggaris, were not passable to most vehicles due to rising water.

The suspension bridges at Kampung Pinatau and Kampung Sungoi were also washed away by currents.

Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said six evacuation centres had been opened to shelter the affected villagers.

He said the district’s disaster management committee was doing all it could to ensure the safety of the people and to reduce loss of property and lives.

“In some parts, the situation has become critical. The committee is also seeking reinforcement of rescue personnel as well as transport and logistics assistance,” added Dr Maximus, who is Science, Tech­nology and Innovation Mini­ster.

“There is a need to channel foodstuff and essentials to affected villagers and the committee welcomes aid from the public and non-governmental organisations.

“Those who wish to contribute can do so at the district office,” he said.

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