Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman said that the State Government has mobilized the necessary resources to assist the flood victims in Kota Belud as the numbers increased to 409 people from 157 families as at 8pm yesterday evening.

He said the State Disaster Relief Committee had been activated to assist those affected, including relocating them to shelters and handing out assistance, such as food supplies and basic amenities.

“The State Government is closely monitoring the flood situation in Kota Belud. We are doing our level best to provide the necessary assistance to victims,” he said.

The flood relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan, which opened at noon, currently accommodated 289 flood victims from 78 families while the number of evacuees housed in the Tun Said Community Hall remained at 120 people from 79 families.

According to Sabah Civil Defence Force (APM) spokesman, two evacuation centres, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taun Gusi 2 hall and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Said hall were also opened yesterday as preparation to house evacuees if there was a need.

As of 8pm last night, the number of flood-affected villages in Kota Belud remained at 26 while the nine roads were still flooded and remain closed.

Meanwhile, in the Kecil Membakut district, 20 flood victims from six families were evacuated to Puspanita mini hall at 4.30pm.

As of 8pm last night, seven villages in the Kecil Membakut were affected by the floods following continuous rain from Monday.

The Chief Minister also advised those affected to be calm and to listen to the directives issued by the relevant authorities for safety reasons.

“I also caution children to avoid playing in flood waters and for parents to keep a close watch on them,” he said.

Musa added that he had also directed the Drainage and Irrigation Department to assess and put in measures to mitigate the flood problem in the district.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the Kota Belud District Natural Disaster Committee had also been activated to ensure smooth evacuation of flood victims.

Commenting about the flood which has displaced more than 100 people from about eight villages in the district, Abdul Rahman said the Civil Defence Force, army, Fire and Rescue Service Department, police and NGOs have been involved in the evacuation of the flood victims since Monday night.

“I have contacted the Kota Belud District Office last night and instructed him to ensure that all the relevant government departments and agencies are activated to help the flood victims.

“Officers from the Kota Belud Parliament Office have also been instructed to be at all the evacuation centres to extend their assistance as well as ensure that the what are necessary will be provided to the victims seeking shelter there,” he said.

Abdul Rahman also urged folks in Kota Belud to be vigilant and heed the advice of the security forces.

Sabah Malaysia Civil Defence Force (MCDF) director Lt Col Mohd Izaimi Md Daud earlier said that 79 families involving some 120 people are currently taking shelter at the Tun Said community hall after 26 villages in Kota Belud are flooded since Monday night.

Among the villages that were badly affected are Kampung Siasai Tamu, Kg Bobot, Kg Ejuk, Kg Menunggui, Kg Linau, Kg Gunding, Kg Sembirai, Kg Lingkodon, Kg Tanjung Pasir, Kg Wakap, Kg Labuan, Kg Donggoi, Kg Sadok-Sadok, Kg Marajah, Kg Lebak Engad and Kg Keranjangan.

The floods had also cut off many of the main roads entering those villages, he said.

“We are doing all we can to reach those affected in the flood,” he added.

Continuous heavy rains yesterday also saw seven villages, Kg Suang Punggur, Kg Lebak Moyoh, Kg Karang Benai, Kg Kota Bungan, Kg Tawadakan, Kg Lentigi, and Kg Pompod being hit by flood.

Besides Kota Belud, nine villages in Tuaran were also affected by the bad weather, he added.

Among the villages that were affected are Kampung Bunga, Kg Suang Bangau, Kg Pekan Tengilan, Kg Rongolis, Kg Topokon, Kg Tinambak, Kg Kosusu, Kg Kionsom Topokon, and Kg Pitas.

Mohd Izaimi, however, said that no evacuation operation was carried out in the nine villages in Tuaran as the situation was still under control.

“But we will continue to monitor the affected villages and are ready to assist in any evacuation if needed,” he said.

The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) is also on standby to face the possibility of a worsening flood situation in this district, following the Meteorology Department’s forecast of continuous heavy rain until next week.

Its station and operation management branch head, Alias Abu, said 144 officers and personnel from 10 security agencies are involved in flood management since on Monday.

“If the situation worsens, we will seek assistance from the nearest stations,” he said yesterday.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by BORNEO POST

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