Flash floods struck yesterday in the Malaysian state of Sabah after around 2 hours of heavy rainfall. The worst affected areas are around the state capital, Kota Kinabalu, and suburbs and nearby areas including many parts of Penampang. Rains were expected to ease over the next few hours.
Torrential rain increased water levels of local rivers, causing them to overflow and flood several parts of the city and surrounding suburbs and villages. Flood water was as high as 50cm in some streets and houses.
Video clip of flood waters in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia:
Many were forced to leave their homes and head for higher ground, taking with them what few belongings they could carry. The worst affected areas include Luyang, Likas, Kolombong, Inanam, Menggatal and parts of Penampang. There were no reports of casualties.
Plans have been drawn up to develop flood defences for areas most at risk. However flood mitigation has not yet gone beyond the planning and discussion stage with the Penampang District Council. Perhaps these recent floods will stress the need for flood defences to be developed. One local politician, Moyog Assemblyman, Terrence Siambun said “The mitigation plan must be implemented now. Natural disasters strike at any time and we cannot just sit and wait for something terrible to happen before taking action.”
Map:
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Sources and Photos:
New Sabah Times; Malaysia Star
