The number of people displaced by floods in Sabah has risen sharply, with over 6,600 now seeking shelter as heavy rains persist across several districts
KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood evacuees in Sabah has risen to 6,655 people from 2,326 families as of 4 pm today. This marks a significant increase from the 5,860 people from 2,067 families reported earlier in the day.
The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee secretariat confirmed the figures in a statement. Three districts are bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Tenom district has the highest number of victims at 4,345 people from 1,467 families. It is followed by Beaufort with 1,529 people from 535 families and Membakut with 441 people from 173 families.
All evacuees are being housed at 31 temporary relief centres opened since Wednesday. The flood situation in Sook has recovered, allowing its relief centre to close at 2 pm.
In Sipitang, the number of evacuees remained steady at 320 people from 151 families. Overall, 142 villages across four districts have been affected by the floods.
No fatalities have been reported so far. Meanwhile, the Beaufort General Defence Force announced that its District Operations Control Centre is experiencing disruptions.
The public in Beaufort can contact the centre on an alternative line at 010-8211952.