TAWAU: Flash floods hit large parts of the district, including the main route at Jalan Shan Shui Batu 9 and Jalan Apas, rendering them impassable to vehicles after six hours of continuous heavy rain on Saturday.
Videos of the incident circulated online showing strong currents flowing over the hilly roadway, with the route completely cut off at about 10pm.
Many vehicles entering or leaving Tawau were forced to park along the roadside as the route was closed to all traffic for safety reasons due to floodwater overflow from the hills.
Several areas were badly affected, including Jalan Sin On where water levels nearly submerged vehicles, as well as Batu 2 Jalan Apas, Kg Rawa-Rawa Batu 4, Ranggu and parts of Takada.
District Disaster Management Committee chairman Joseph Pang declared a flood disaster at 11.30pm based on reports and information received from agencies on the ground.
