SANDAKAN: The monsoon surge bringing continuous heavy rain caused flash floods in many low-lying areas in Sandakan since Wednesday night.
Among the worst affected areas are major roads such as Jalan Utara, Jalan Nasalim, Jalan Lintas Sibuga, Bulatan Helang, Batu 10 and several locations around Batu 6 and Batu 7.
The flash floods also forced the closure of Jalan Nasalim- Bulatan Helang, making it impassable for all types of vehicles.
Sandakan Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Captain Sulaiman Salama said they also received emergency calls regarding five incidents of fallen trees on Thursday.
The five cases occurred at the federal building route in Batu 7, Jalan Institut Latihan Perindustrian, Jalan Midtown Sri Taman, Jalan IJM South Condo and Jalan Grandview.
The heavy rain also triggered a landslide at Bukit Cina, near Taman Indah Jaya in Batu 4.
Earlier, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a severe continuous heavy rain warning for Sabah, affecting Telupid, Beluran and Sandakan until today) Jan 17.
A survey by Daily Express saw many road users expressing frustration over the drainage condition in various parts of Sandakan.
Among the common complaints was the small and shallow drainage system along major roads which were unable to accommodate the heavy rain.
Local residents pointed out that the existing drainage system is inadequate, especially those clogged with rubbish and silt.
Meanwhile, APM and Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department personnel evacuated several flood victims stranded in locations.
Among the assistance provided by the APM and Fire Brigade teams was the evacuation of a mother and her three children who were trapped in their home at Batu 12.
An elderly woman in a wheelchair was also evacuated.
All victims were relocated to secure areas. Additionally, the APM and Fire Brigade teams assisted in evacuating schoolchildren stranded in a mini-bus in Kampung Gum-Gum.
It was reported that the minibus carrying the students was stuck due to flash floods and unable to pass through the flooded area.
The stranded minibus was later towed while the students were relocated using an APM lorry.
District Fire and Rescue Station chief Severinus Sainkui said his team is closely monitoring the flood situation, especially in high-risk areas.
