SANDAKAN: A 72-year-old hotel worker died when a landslide occurred while he was attempting to start a generator at the back, early Wednesday.
Agustine Frederick J Lingam, was confirmed dead behind London Hotel by Fire and Rescue personnel. Sandakan Fire Chief PKPgB Jimmy Lagung said initial investigations found the incident occurred during heavy rain, which caused a power cut at the hotel. They responded to a distress call at 6.39am.
“According to witnesses, the victim was buried by a landslide while trying to start the generator,” he said, adding the victim was buried up to his waist by debris. Fire fighters extricated his remains at 7.14am.
Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) President Walter Kenson declared Lebuh 4, Block 10, in the town centre a disaster area following a fallen tree and landslide that affected several premises there.
Walter said his team found there was still ground movement on the slope behind the affected buildings. The area is closed to the public while authorities carry out further assessments on the stability of the slopes and the building structures in the area.
In the incident, a tree believed over 30 years old fell and struck three blocks consisting of a five-storey building, a three-storey building and a three-storey hotel.
The incident affected approximately 32 units, including shop units and the hotel block, with initial estimates involving around 25 families living or working in the area.
It was attributed to incessant heavy rain since Tuesday.
A victim registration was held to identify the exact number of affected residents.
“For residents who do not have alternative accommodation, the Sandakan Community Hall, which has been converted into a temporary evacuation centre,” he said.
He said most of the old buildings in Sandakan town centre were built between the 1950s and 1970s and located near hillsides, which are potentially exposed to the risk of ground movement.
Ordered a detailed inspection in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR) and to obtain the services of consultant engineers specialising in slope studies.
This is to ensure the safety of slopes in the Sandakan town centre area to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, about 80 graves at Sim Sim Cemetery would be relocated following the landslide.
Rahmin Arman, Religious Administration Officer of the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains) Sandakan branch, said landslides have occurred several times at the cemetery, particularly during heavy rain.
Jheains would meet with the families of those affected to discuss the proposed relocation.
“As in previous incidents, we have suggested moving the affected graves to the Ar-Raudah Islamic Cemetery at Batu 11,” he said.
Jheains hopes the families would approve the proposal so that the graves can be relocated promptly.
