SIPITANG: The district has been declared a natural disaster area following floods that affected several villages and caused the collapse of multiple bridges.
District Officer Abd Karim A.M. Zahari, who is also the Chairman of the Sipitang District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), made the announcement on Wednesday, saying a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) has been opened at the SMK Padang Berampah Hall.
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According to the latest river level reports, Sungai Kg Paru Siku (Sungai Mengalong) has reached 15.087 metres, exceeding the danger level of 12 metres. Meanwhile, Sungai Melalia (Sungai Lukutan) remained at the alert level of 10.499 metres.
“The situation is due to continuous heavy rain since yesterday, which caused water levels in both rivers to rise rapidly,” he said.
As of 11.20am, the Public Works Department (JKR) reported that Jalan Pantai-Tg Nipis Lama and Jalan Sipitang-Tenom are now passable. Jalan Kg Ranau-Ranau and Jalan Sindumin-Siputol are also accessible.
Jalan Sindumin Baru is not passable, while Jalan Kawang Lama, Jalan SK Pantai and Jalan Pekan Sindumin remain accessible. However, Jalan Kawang Baru and Jalan Pantai are not passable.
Abd Karim also stated that the Sungai Meligan bridge is not passable and road users are advised to exercise caution and avoid using the bridge.
Those evacuated include residents from Kampung Kawang Baru, Kampung Sri Menanti, Kampung Skim Kawang Baru, Kampung Kawang Lama, Kampung Sindumin Baru, Kampung Luagan, Kampung Petarikan and Kg Sindumin.
A total of 42 families involving 88 evacuees were affected. They include 31 adult men and 23 adult women; 14 boys and 18 girls; one male infant and one female infant; six elderly men and five elderly women; and one male person with disabilities (OKU). All victims have been relocated to the SK Padang Berampah Temporary Evacuation Centre by rescue teams.
