KOTA KINABALU: A landslide at Forest Hill construction quarters, Penampang following the heavy rains on Wednesday (Sept 15) has claimed the lives of a 25-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl.
Salmah Hamid and Rosatima Asbirin were the first two reported casualties from flash floods and landslide disasters that hit Kota Kinabalu and Penampang districts after heavy rains started before noon.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department in a statement said they received a distress call on the landslide at 3.57pm and dispatched personnel to the location.
“There were six family members affected when their house was hit by the landslide.
“The two were confirmed dead on location by medical officers, while the rest of the victims – three female minors aged eight months to three years and a 22-year-old woman – were reported to be safe,” added the department.
Earlier, a landslide was also reported along Penampang – Tambunan road where some houses at the lower slope were hit by debris and cars along the side road, however no casualty has been recorded.
Authorities have been on the ground since reports on the incidents started coming in, where they are still performing evacuation and rescue attempts.
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Force in a separate statement, said three relief centres in Kota Kinabalu – Likas multipurpose hall, Luyang hall and Damai hall – have been activated to standby for flood victims relocation.
