Membakut, Papar and Putatan declared disaster-hit districts as flood victims rise to 1,707

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 15): Membakut, Papar and Putatan were officially declared disaster-hit districts on Monday following recent flash floods in the state.

The respective district officers made the declarations based on reports and field assessments from their District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD).

Several Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) have since been opened to accommodate affected residents.

The Bongawan Community Hall PPS was activated at 8.22am, followed by the Papar Community Hall and PPR Sri Keramat Hall PPS at 10am, and the SJK (C) Pei Yin PPS at noon.

Authorities, including the Civil Defence Force (APM), continue to monitor water levels in the affected areas while carrying out rescue operations with other enforcement agencies.

According to the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) Secretariat, the number of flood victims in Sabah has risen to 1,707 people from 428 families, now seeking shelter at 16 PPS across six affected districts.

Penampang recorded the highest number of evacuees with 744 people from 181 families, followed by Putatan (393 evacuees), Beaufort (231), Membakut (202), Papar (78) and Tawau (59).

Most of the PPS were opened following floods that began on September 9. No fatalities have been reported so far, although authorities said updates are still being compiled.