Papar teen recounts landslide that killed mother and brother

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 18): A teenager broke down as he recalled the September 15 landslide in Kampung Mook, Papar, which claimed the lives of his mother and younger brother.

Xavier Junior Jude, 17, said he was jolted awake at about 8am by the sound of walls collapsing and objects crashing down.

“It all happened in the blink of an eye,” he said.

Rushing out of his room, Xavier heard his mother calling for help from her bedroom.

“I tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. I found something hard to break it open, but when I finally managed to, I couldn’t see anything anymore — it was all dirt,” he recounted.

In panic, he ran outside and saw his father trapped in the rubble, crying for help. Before he could reach him, a second, stronger landslide struck their house.

“When it stopped, I tried to enter the room again, but I could not hear my mother’s voice anymore. I was distressed and felt guilty,” he said.

He eventually managed to free his father’s leg from the debris.

Xavier’s mother, Emily Johnny, 38, and younger brother, Xarell Myre Aristothle, 11, were killed in the tragedy.

Choking back tears, the teen said he regretted not finishing a household task his mother had urged him to do the day before the incident.

“She kept telling me to clean the store because of the continuous rain. I did, but only halfway. If only I had finished it … the heavy things that crushed her came from there,” he said.

“It’s tough. It breaks my heart. I’ve apologised to my mother and brother — I’m sorry I couldn’t save you two,” he added.

Despite the grief, Xavier said he is slowly finding calm, grateful that his father and other relatives are still with him.