Chief Minister Hajiji Noor expresses sympathy as continuous rain floods Kota Marudu, Pitas, and Paitan, with 336 victims evacuated to safety centres.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has intensified evacuation and aid distribution after continuous rain flooded several districts.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said all security agencies and relevant departments have been mobilised for swift rescue operations.
“Despite the blessings of Ramadan, some of our brothers and sisters are being tested by the flood disaster. I express my deepest sympathy to all affected victims,” he said in a Facebook post.
He stated that the safety of the people is the state government’s top priority.
The government is monitoring the situation to ensure assistance is delivered quickly and effectively.
Hajiji urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and comply with authorities’ instructions.
He also called on the public to pray and extend assistance according to their abilities during Ramadan.
Three districts were declared flood-hit at 6 am today.
The affected districts are Kota Marudu, Pitas, and Paitan.
Several areas in Sandakan, including Kampung Pangeran, Taman Fajar, and Taman Merpati, were also reported flooded.
The floods have inundated several main roads and caused incidents of fallen trees.
Two temporary evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 336 victims from 111 families.
The centres are operating in Kota Marudu and Pitas.
In Kota Marudu, SMK Tandek 2 is accommodating 274 victims from 83 families.
In Pitas, SK Rukom is housing 24 victims from 18 families, while the district council hall is housing 38 victims from 10 families.
Security personnel are actively evacuating affected villagers to the centres.
They continue to monitor other areas identified as being at risk of flooding.