Refrain from wading through floodwaters - Sabah JBPM

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has advised residents in this district and the surrounding areas which have been hit by floods not to wade through floodwaters for fear of endangering their lives.

Sabah JBPM director Md Ali Ismail said this must be avoided, especially when travelling in light vehicles because the depth of the water and strength of the currents during floods could be unpredictable and dangerous.

"Be careful, wait for the water to recede before passing through. Don't take the risk in this flood situation," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Md Ali said the current continuous rain would result in flash floods in several Sabah west coast areas which were also at risk of landslides.

As such, he reminded the public living in the flooded areas to be ready to be evacuated when instructed by the authorities to do so.

Md Ali also reminded the people not to touch electric wires which have fallen into the floodwaters for fear of electrical current flow that could cause injuries or loss of life, while urging parents to watch out for their children during the rainy season.

He said, JBPM Sabah was ready in terms of logistics and manpower to face the floods, especially the fire stations on the west coast of Sabah.

"I am now in Pulau Banggi, Kudat, to train personnel of Kudat, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud fire stations on flood rescue boat operations," he said.

Heavy continuous rains from early this morning have resulted in floods in several areas in the districts of Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Tuaran today.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department in statement issued a severe weather warning for the west coast of Sabah this morning, stating that heavy rains are expected to continue in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran, Papar and Kota Belud.

Heavy rains are also expected at Sabah interior areas such as Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau, and Tambunan, as well as at Ranau and Kudat.

-- BERNAMA