KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA — Relentless rains since February 19 have triggered severe flooding in Sabah’s northern districts, forcing more than 1,070 people from 376 families to flee their homes by Friday evening. Pitas bore the brunt, with 780 evacuees from 286 families across 30 villages, while Kota Marudu sheltered 290 from 90 families in eight villages.
Authorities activated multiple relief centers, including SK Rukom Ulu, the Pitas district council hall, Dewan Kusilad, Dewan Kabatasan, and SK Salimpodon Darat, with two more preparing to open as waters rose. In Kota Marudu, SMK Tandek 2 housed most evacuees amid ongoing rescues.
Kota Marudu, Pitas, and Paitan were declared disaster zones after rivers overflowed, swamping villages and blocking roads. Sandakan faced flash floods and fallen trees on Batu 7, Batu 8, and Batu 9, snarling traffic.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department warned of continuous heavy rain into February 21, prompting high alerts for low-lying areas. Officials urged swift evacuations, with emergency teams braced for worsening conditions.