[PHOTOS] Netizens Pray For Sabah As Heavy Rain Prolongs Flash Floods & Displaces Families
The floods have caused strong river currents, inundated business premises and major roads, as well as led to the evacuation of families to relief centres.
By May Vin Ang — 06 Oct 2020, 11:53 AM
Continuous overnight downpours since Sunday, 4 October, has caused floods in Kota Kinabalu and many other low-lying areas in west coast Sabah
The floods have caused strong river currents, inundated business premises and major roads, as well as led to the evacuation of many families to relief centres.
Dozens of pictures also show parked cars partially submerged in floodwater.
According to The Star, other than the city, other districts affected were Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kudat, and Kota Marudu.
The heavy rain caused water levels in three rivers around Sabah to rise, resulting in a number of villages being flooded
According to The Borneo Post, Kota Belud was one of the worst-hit areas with 32 villages affected by the floods, and saw roads and areas made inaccessible by the floodwater and landslides.
One of the rivers in the area, Sungai Abai, rose to a dangerous water level of 6.16m.
Meanwhile, Sungai Pam Labuaya and Rumah Pam Lakang in Tuaran rose to dangerous levels at 4.35m and 7.4m, respectively.
213 victims from 64 families were evacuated to five relief centres in the state last night, 5 October
New Straits Times reported that three relief centres were opened by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) in Kota Belud, namely the Tun Said Community Hall housing 131 victims, the Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Kota Belud hall housing 60 victims, and Dewan Muhibbah Tombol with nine victims.
Two other relief centres were opened in Tuaran and Menggatal - Dewan Seri Sulaman which is housing 10 victims and Dewan Masyarakat Menggatal housing three victims.
"The flood victims include 11 infants and two people with disabilities," JKM said.
Downpours are expected to continue in the areas in Sabah's west coast including Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau, and Tambunan
On Sunday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) issued a yellow level weather alert for heavy downpour in these districts.
The bad weather is expected to last until today, 6 October.
The situation has raised concern among affected residents as well as other Malaysian netizens on Twitter
"It hasn't been great for us Sabahans lately as we are facing political issues, increase in number of COVID-19 cases, and terrible floods," said a Twitter user.
"God bless Sabah. Sending my prayers to each and everyone of you. Stay safe, dear family and friends."
While another cried, "What news today! Over 400 new cases in Malaysia plus Sabah is also having floods here."
Another netizen said, "I took a nap while it was raining this morning and I woke up to know some parts of Sabah is currently under water."
"Sabahans, please stay strong and stay safe. It's sad how we have to deal with rising COVID-19 cases and now flash floods."
