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KINABATANGAN (Apr 2): The Kinabatangan district in Sabah has been officially declared a flood disaster area at 4.45 pm on Wednesday following continuous heavy rainfall. Rising river water levels have reached dangerous heights, forcing authorities to take immediate action to safeguard affected residents.
According to the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee secretariat, at least seven villages have been affected by the floods. To provide temporary shelter and aid, a relief centre (PPS) was set up at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Garam at 6 pm the same day.
Rescue Efforts Underway
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Authorities, including the Civil Defence Force (APM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Fire and Rescue Department, are actively evacuating victims and conducting rescue operations. Officials have reported that floodwaters are continuing to rise, albeit at a slow rate.
In response to the emergency, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has disconnected power supply in the affected areas as a safety measure. Meanwhile, rescue teams are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary assistance.
Residents Stay on High Alert
Despite the worsening flood conditions, no injuries or casualties have been reported. Kinabatangan Civil Defence Force officer Captain Ahmad Roslan Mohd Kamel stated that, as of 1:30 pm, no evacuations had been required.
“Most residents in the affected areas own boats, so they are not overly concerned. However, authorities remain on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
At present, the weather has cleared, giving hope that floodwaters will soon recede. Authorities continue to stand by, ready to respond if conditions worsen.