BEAUFORT: The district faced its seventh flood in a month as rising water continued to threaten homes and disrupt daily life.
The situation was worsened by heavy rain across Tenom, Nabawan, Keningau and Sook in the Keningau Zone, as well as Beaufort itself. The downpour caused the Padas River to swell, inundating surrounding areas.
Beaufort District Police Chief Supt Wong Leong Meng said rescue teams are prepared to evacuate residents at short notice.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and all relevant agencies are ready to respond,” he said.
While the rain continues, residents are hoping for a reprieve, as further rainfall could push the Padas River beyond its already critical levels.
So far, only villagers from Kg Bakalau and Kg Suasa have been evacuated, but authorities are urging others in flood-prone zones to stay prepared.
“If water levels keep rising, we may need to relocate more people quickly,” Wong said. As of 10am on Sunday, the Padas River reached 9.53 meters – well above the 8.70-meter danger mark. The alert level is set at 7.50 meters, while the warning threshold is 8.00 meters.
The Beaufort Civil Defence Force is keeping watch over submerged villages, including Kg Batu 60, Kg Binunuk, Kg Bakalau, Kg Suasa, Kg Gumarit and Kg Lago.
Several roads have also been cut off, with Jalan Batu 60 and Jalan Kg Bakalau completely impassable.
Meanwhile, Jalan Kg Bingkul, Kg Gumarit, and Kg Suasa remain open to traffic.
Two schools, Sekolah Kebangsaan Suasa and Sekolah Kebangsaan Lago, have been affected, while Jalan Kompleks Sukan near the fire station is only accessible to heavy vehicles.
Emergency teams, including the Fire and Rescue Department, police and Civil Defence Force are on standby.
The Temporary Evacuation Centres are being managed with support from the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare Department and Rela to ensure evacuees’ safety and well-being.
Authorities advised residents to keep important documents in waterproof containers, prevent children from playing in floodwaters and stay vigilant for dangerous wildlife, including snakes and crocodiles.
“Recently, a crocodile was spotted near St Paul’s Secondary School,” said Wong, urging everyone to avoid walking through flooded areas unless absolutely necessary.
Residents have been reminded to follow evacuation orders immediately. “Delaying could mean slower assistance, as rescue teams are stretched thin,” Wong said.
Those relocated to temporary shelters have been assured of proper accommodations, including family tents, food, water, health checks and security patrols by police and Rela personnel.
In NABAWAN, 86 victims trapped in the floods in this district and Keningau were moved to the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) and to a safe place, respectively.
A total of 37 flood victims in Kampung Pamuntarian Nabawan were moved to the Suapi PPS using lorry and boats.
