SIPITANG: Twenty-five residents from four families were evacuated after their homes in Kampung Bebangkong Mesapol, here were hit by floods early Saturday.
The evacuees comprised five men, nine women, four boys, five girls and a baby girl.
Sipitang Fire and Rescue Station chief Desmond Anak Mickey said the department received an emergency call at 5.42am and immediately sent a team to the village.
All 25 residents were then moved to Dewan Mesapol, here. Six firefighters and two police personnel were involved in the evacuation operation.
Desmond said the flooding occurred after several hours of rain, with other villages also potentially at risk.
He said the department was monitoring the situation and remained ready to respond to further emergency calls.
Meanwhile, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Fisar Ajis advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by the authorities.
He urged residents to move to safer places immediately when directed to do so or whenever their safety was threatened.
Mohd Fisar also warned against driving or walking through floodwaters, saying the depth and strength of floodwaters could be dangerous.
He also reminded parents to keep children away from floodwaters and ensure they were under adult supervision all the time.
Mohd Fisar also advised residents to switch off their electricity supply before leaving their homes, provided it was safe to do so.
He cautioned the public against touching electrical switches or appliances while standing in wet or flooded areas, and urged them to stay away from fallen power cables and report them immediately to the authorities or the relevant utility company.
