RANAU: Heavy rain on Thursday triggered mudflows and landslides at several locations around Ranau and Kundasang, leaving roads covered with mud, rocks and debris and prompting authorities to step up safety monitoring.
The affected areas include Jalan Kundasang-Mohimboyon, Kampung Lipantai, Kibbas-Tambiau and the Mohimboyon-Kundasang Lama route, according to the Karanaan Community Development Leader’s Unit (UPPM).
The muddy conditions posed potential hazards to motorists and motorcyclists, particularly along roads where mud and rocks had flowed onto the surface.
Ranau District Police Chief Supt Mursalin Mahmud urged residents and road users to remain vigilant as continuous rainfall could trigger flash floods and further landslides.
Police received a report of mudflow along Jalan Kundasang-Mohimboyon and deployed personnel to the location at 6.15pm.
Upon arrival, officers found that clean-up work was already being carried out using two machines and eight workers. The affected section, estimated at about 20ft by 40ft, was subsequently cleared and the road was reported passable in both directions. No casualties were reported.
Mursalin urged residents to report incidents promptly so that the authorities could assess the situation and provide assistance where necessary. He said Ranau police remained on standby to safeguard public safety.
Meanwhile, four personnel from the Ranau Civil Defence Force conducted monitoring at flood-prone locations, including Sungai Mansahaban and Sungai Liwagu, as well as a blocked drain at the Takurik junction along Jalan Sinarut Baru.
The inspection found that branches had obstructed the drain, and personnel removed them to restore water flow.
Water levels at Sungai Mansahaban and Sungai Liwagu remained under control during the monitoring exercise and had not affected nearby homes. Light rain was reported at the time, with no emergency incidents recorded.
Civil Defence personnel advised residents to remain alert and move to safer locations if water levels rose, while contacting emergency services if assistance was needed.
Separately, the Civil Defence Force’s Kundasang unit monitored a landslide incident at Kampung Himbaan reported at 4pm.
Three personnel inspected the area and identified four landslide locations along the route, as well as water flowing across the road surface.
The affected slope was estimated to be about 20ft high and five metres wide. Initial checks were conducted to assess road conditions and protect road users.
No casualties were reported during the inspection, and monitoring was to continue as rainfall persisted. Residents and motorists were advised to avoid hazardous areas and remain alert to possible further slope failures.
Authorities reported that the monitoring operations had not identified any affected villages, schools, buildings, healthcare facilities or roads requiring evacuation, and no temporary relief centres had been opened at the time of the Civil Defence assessment.
The authorities urged the public to take extra precautions during prolonged wet weather, avoid driving through dangerous sections and report any sudden rise in water levels, mudflows or fresh ground movement.
For emergencies in the Kundasang area, the public can contact the NG999 emergency line or the Kundasang Operations Control Centre at 088-888991.
