TAWAU: Tawau district faced three natural disasters in less than 17 hours — a 4.8-magnitude earthquake at 6.37pm, a thunderstorm with strong winds from midnight until dawn, and flooding on Thursday morning caused by the Northeast Monsoon.
Checks with the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station and District Police revealed no emergency calls following the earthquake, which occurred 24 km southeast of Tarakan, North Kalimantan.
However, four cases were reported due to the monsoon
Strong winds caused a house collapse at Jambatan Cempaka, Kampung Hidayat Batu 4 Jalan Apas and a fallen tree in town.
Flood rescues were conducted at Kampung Blok 31 Batu 17 Jalan Apas and Kampung Sungai Gading Batu 15 Jalan Apas.
Tawau Fire and Rescue Chief, Deputy Supt Jemishin Ujin, said a man injured in the house collapse suffered a broken leg and was sent to the hospital after receiving first aid at the scene from the Civil Defence Force (APM).
“Residents near the collapsed house have been advised to temporarily vacate their homes to prevent further incidents,” he said.
At Kampung Blok 31 and Kampung Sungai Gading, firefighters evacuated residents and distributed food supplies. One family of eight at Kampung Sungai Gading was safely relocated.
“The flood operation concluded at 11.20am, involving firefighters, police officers, and APM personnel,” Jemishin added.
Tawau District Police Chief, ACP Jasmin Hussin, confirmed no emergency calls related to the earthquake or storm were received and urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate assistance if necessary.
