The ongoing landslide and flood disaster in Sabah has taken a heartbreaking turn, with 13 people confirmed dead so far, including six children, as heavy rain continues to batter multiple districts.

After more than 10 hours of search and rescue efforts, the final victim of the landslide at Kampung Marahang Tuntul, Papar, Sabah was found at 8:45 p.m. on Monday.
After more than 10 hours of search and rescue efforts, the final victim of the landslide at Kampung Marahang Tuntul, Papar, Sabah was found at 8:45 p.m. on Monday.
Image credits: Kosmo!

Authorities revealed that 12 lives were lost just on Monday (15 September), while one fatality was recorded on the very first day of the disaster last Friday.

Landslides claim lives across districts

  • At Kampung Marahang Tuntul, Papar, the final victim of a landslide, a 10-year-old girl, was found at 8:45 p.m. after more than 10 hours of search and rescue. Her body was fully recovered at 2:05 a.m. today.
  • The tragedy also claimed her 34-year-old mother and 6-year-old brother, who were discovered earlier at 4:20 p.m. and 4:25 p.m.
  • In Kampung Cenderakasih, Kolombong, Inanam, seven people, including four children aged between 2 and 9 were killed in another landslide at 9:15 a.m, Monday (15 September).
  • The adult victims included two women and a man aged 25 to 50.

All the bodies were confirmed by the medical personnel team and later handed over to the police.

Landslide that first occurred last Friday has seen a death toll of 13.
Landslide that first occurred last Friday has seen a death toll of 13.
Image credits: China Press

Floods worsen, over 1,600 evacuated

On top of the landslides, floods are spreading fast, becoming an extreme concern. The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) reported that as of 8 p.m. last night, the number of evacuees had soared to 1,648 people from 417 families, nearly double the figure as compared to earlier in the day.

Evacuation centres have been set up across the state:

  • 7 in Penampang
  • 3 in Membakut
  • 2 each in Papar & Putatan
  • 1 permanent centre in Selagon, Beaufort

Families affected will receive RM1,000 in Compassionate Cash Aid (BWI), while the next of kin of those who died will be given RM10,000 in compensation. Food baskets are also being distributed to those displaced.

Over a thousand people were forced to evacuate.
Over a thousand people were forced to evacuate.
Image credits: China Press

Prime Minister Anwar approves RM10 million immediate aid

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved RM10 million in immediate aid through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), on top of the RM11 million already channelled for urgent infrastructure repairs.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety, welfare, and survival of flood victims with immediate focus,” Anwar said, adding that all government agencies under the MADANI administration have been mobilised.

Malaysia Day event cancelled

In light of the disaster, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the cancellation of the state-level Malaysia Day celebration that was supposed to take place tomorrow at Padang Merdeka.

“The people’s safety and welfare come first. All resources must go towards those affected by this disaster,” Hajiji said after visiting evacuees in Putatan and Penampang.

He added that the state government and JPBN remain on full alert as heavy rains show no sign of stopping.

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