PENAMPANG: One of the worst-hit areas during the continuous heavy downpour is Kg Sogumou, located within Kg Madsiang, where more than 30 households have been completely cut off due to severe road damage.
According to Dr. Randolph Paza, a volunteer who has been assisting on-site for the past week, the road leading into the village was completely destroyed, making it impossible for vehicles to enter.
Dr. Paza, together with 45 other volunteers, had been working to distribute essential items and find ways to communicate with the stranded residents.
Unstable weather conditions have caused frequent disruptions to mobile signals, making coordination difficult, but the team managed to hold on.
They managed to reach out to two residents, Apple and Bernado Mojikon, who helped guide on how to safely deliver supplies such as mineral water and other basic necessities to the affected residents.
Efforts are ongoing as volunteers continue to navigate damaged terrain and poor connectivity to ensure aid reaches affected families.
Dr. Paza, who is also the president of the Lions Penampang Host Club, said the landslides are worsening and flood-affected areas continue to expand.
“We need to address the root causes. Authorities must act urgently. More large-scale assistance is needed to clear blocked roads,” he said, expressing hope for better weather in the coming days.
To deliver aid to stranded residents, volunteers resorted to creative methods by using ropes and a flying fox-style mechanism, they managed to send food supplies across damaged terrain.
The effort was made possible with the help of the 4x4 Penampang group, led by Alex Leong, in transporting essential items such as mineral water and dry food on the landslide zone.
In a related issue, a concerned jogger had highlighted the poor maintenance of Donggongon township, warning that overgrown weeds and accumulated trash in the drainage system could worsen flooding.
“Several drains are clogged with vegetation and rubbish that haven’t been cleared for a long time. If this continues, it will block water flow and cause flooding,” said the jogger, visibly frustrated after observing the condition during a morning run.
Residents are urging local authorities to take swift action to clean and maintain the drainage infrastructure before the situation escalates further.
Another resident, Jessica Chong of Kg Nambazan, said floodwaters had reached the main road, forcing many motorists to park their vehicles on higher ground along the roadside to avoid damage.
“My in-laws’ home in Penampang Proper wasn’t spared either, the water has entered their house, and now they’re just waiting for help to arrive,” she said.
