Sabah earthquake: Ranau residents still traumatised

Life commenced as usual in Ranau today despite taking the full brunt of the 6.0-magnitude earthquake which struck Sabah early yesterday.

Residents went about their daily lives, crowding Tamu Pekan Ranau to buy their household needs and the highland farmers have also begun selling their vegetables.

Public transport services between Ranau and surrounding villages are operating as usual and restaurants are full, with the hot topic on everyone's lips on yesterday's earthquake.

On the surface, everything may seem normal in Ranau, but the truth is, residents are still traumatised.

"Normally I would leave early to gather vegetables on my farm, but yesterday I had only gone at around noon because I was afraid," said Jene Sapin, 60, from Kampung Lembah Permai, to Bernama when met at Tamu Pekan Ranau.

READ: 9 more bodies of Ranau quake found - Masidi Manjun

GALLERY: Ranau earthquake

Jene said the tremor from yesterday's earthquake was the strongest she had ever felt.

"I am still traumatised by it, afraid that it might happen again," said Jene's niece, Satidah Suhaidi, 43.

Satidah added she was at home when the tremors struck.

"The house shook making me panic and confused. I wanted to get out of the house, but was unable to walk. Only after the tremors weakened that my children, a younger sibling and I were able to leave the house.

"I was shivering when I got of the house, so were my children. We were all pale with fear," she added.

Bibi Sabariah Jalil, 62, from Kampung Silou, said she was unable to sleep last night for fear that another earthquake would hit the district.

She said she was cleaning dishes yesterday when she saw the trees swaying and that was when she quickly exited her home.

"I held on to the tall grass to keep me from falling. The tremors this time around were stronger than before.

"The last time an earthquake hit the area, it was as though I had been tossed by huge waves. Yesterday, the tremors were really strong," she added.