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Kota Kinabalu: While all eyes were on Penampang during the flood last Sunday, StarSabah reached out to Kg Kauluan in Tamparuli, 35km from here, which was hit just as bad. 

StarSabah Tamparuli Division stepped into gear in response to a Facebook post by Siti Nooraisah Tayor who claimed they were “invisible to relief efforts” as it seemed “attention only went to Penampang”.

As a result, about 100 villagers benefited from supplies of rice, mineral water, dry foods and baby essentials which were handed over by division chief John Jinitoh at the village hall.

Siti, when contacted, said she was very grateful for the assistance. 

She said the area comprised five sub villages - Nohirot, Kauluan Ulu, Dangsangai and Tambalaong, apart from Kauluan.

Sharing her experience, she said she received news that the upper areas of the village were flooded through a school WhatsApp group.

“I told my family to brace for the worst. We couldn’t save much because in 15 minutes the water was already at waist level. 

“Both my parents, husband and children aged two years and two months waited on the second flood. I’m so thankful we live in a two-story house. 

“It is unfortunate that the heavy rainfall was coupled with high tide. The water did not subside even at 7am the next day. Most of our electrical appliances were ruined. 

“I believe it’s the worst flooding we’ve experienced…I heard there are three other villages that are still lacking assistance. 

“We are still cleaning up. I had to take two days off work,” the 36-year-old account admin told Daily Express.

StarSabah Tamparuli Division Secretary Karren Cassandra said they are thankful to all donors and are still working hard in finding new avenues to help.  

“We are fully aware that there are affected villages nearby still in need of help. We are doing our best.

“StarSabah is always ready to help those in need regardless of background, race or religion. It is our duty and pledge to help those less fortunate,” she said. 

However, it was learnt that all villages especially Kauluan Ulu and Dangsangai had received relief packages by late evening from local influencers.