Mud flood forces almost 300 to flee
Published on: Monday, July 06, 2015
Kundasang: Strong winds and heavy rain since Saturday forced over 200 residents in Kampung Mesilou, Kundasang to be evacuated to the KO Sinar community hall (Desa Cattle) when their houses were hit by mud flood.Sabah Fire and Rescue Department public relations head, Mohd Affendi K Ramin, said mud flood hit the village about 3am Sunday."Firemen are monitoring the situation and residents in Kampung Mesilou have been ordered to evacuate to the relief centre," he said.
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As of Sunday evening, 284 mud flood victims from 66 families were still accommodated at the Kem Bina Negara evacuation centre in Kundasang.Ranau District Officer Faimin Kamin said the victims from Kampung Mesilou were still there although the mud flood situation has improved."The victims are still worried to return to their homes due to uncertain weather conditions," he said.He said although victims were allowed to return home, the evacuation centre would continue to operate until the conditions are safe.
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The villagers were first ordered to leave home for safety on June 15, when mudslide hit the village.They were allowed to go home from the Mini Kundasang relief centre on June 21.
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Meanwhile, Haziri Gulon, 33, a People's Volunteer Corp (Rela) member, was once again tasked to monitor the water level at Sungai Mesilou, here, which just a few hours ago reached the danger level."The water level went up to six feet, and was about four metres below the Bailey bridge. We had to evacuate villagers out because we fear the bridge would break if it is hit by huge rocks or timbers washed by the mudslide," he said when met at the site Sunday.Haziri, who has stayed awake for almost 24 hours now, said the 20-metre long bridge was the only link between Kampung Mesilou and the town here."If this bridge is damaged, then villagers are stranded in the kampung. That's our worry," Haziri explained.He was, however, glad he manage to take his wife and children out to safety.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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