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FLOODS in Sabah has forced 3,685 residents from 1,593 families to seek shelter as of 8 am today, a dramatic rise from 406 individuals from 124 families recorded yesterday afternoon, following several days of persistent rainfall.
The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee confirmed that 18 temporary relief centres have been opened to accommodate those affected across the worst-hit districts of Pitas, Kota Marudu and Paitan.
Kota Marudu has seen the most significant increase in flood victims, with 1,978 individuals from 925 families now housed in four relief centres, up sharply from 290 people from 90 families yesterday.
Pitas follows with 1,515 people from 593 families taking refuge in eight centres, a rise from 116 people from 34 families previously reported. In Paitan, 192 individuals from 75 families are sheltering in six temporary centres.
“All three districts experienced flooding at around 6 am yesterday, triggered by continuous heavy rain over several days,” the committee said, highlighting the sudden escalation and the ongoing need for emergency assistance.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecast further morning rainfall in inland Sabah, with a possibility of thunderstorms developing later in the day, prompting authorities to maintain heightened alertness in the affected areas.
The Disaster Management Committee continues to coordinate relief operations, providing shelter, food, and essential services to displaced residents while monitoring river levels and weather conditions to prevent further casualties.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and prepare for possible additional evacuations as the region continues to contend with adverse weather. - February 21, 2026