KOTA KINABALU: Some 206 flood victims have been housed at five temporary shelters in four districts in Sabah as of noon Thursday (May 20), following intermittent downpours that started on Tuesday (May 18).
The state Civil Defence Force, which issued the update as the state disaster management committee secretariat, said it expected an increase in numbers as the registration of victims continues on the ground.
Putatan which is near here saw two relief centres at Dewan Taman Sri Serigai (60 evacuees) and Dewan Taman Sri Keramat (18) activated following flash floods on Wednesday.
Beaufort’s Dewan Mohd Dun Banir, which was deactivated on Wednesday evening, was reopened again early on Thursday morning after water levels increased, sending 19 flood victims there.
Tenom’s Kalang Kanar cultural house holds 26 evacuees, while Keningau has 41 victims housed at Dewan Kampung Pauh, Sook.
As of 1.30pm, the weather in these districts has improved, remaining cloudy but with no rain registered.
On a related matter, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Md Ali Ismail said on Thursday it would strengthen logistics, including rescue equipment, to face challenges anticipated during the monsoon season.
He said the department would prepare the best plan for putting personnel on the ground as needed, to serve and help the community.
Md Ali said the department also plans to train more community and voluntary firemen to ensure the response time in emergencies is kept short.
Such volunteers play important roles to ensure that work to contain fires can begin before department teams arrive on the scene, he added.
Source: The Star
