KOTA KINABALU (April 5): The number of flood evacuees at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) in Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Garam PPS at Pekan Bukit Garam in Kinabatangan, has increased from three families to 29 families as of today.

A statement from the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee stated that 131 people from 29 families are taking shelter at SK Bukit Garam PPS since the district of Kinabatangan was declared as a flood disaster zone by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) on Wednesday.

The 131 flood victims consisted of 35 men, 36 women, 28 boys and 32 girls, from four villages in Kinabatangan.

The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee said continuous monitoring of the flood situation in flood affected areas is being carried out by the Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysia Civil Defence Department and other agencies.

Yesterday, the State Disaster Operations Control Centre issued an Evacuation Order under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Directive No. 1, officially declaring the area a red zone.

The action was taken following the refusal of some residents to evacuate to the relief centre despite the Kinabatangan River level exceeding the danger mark.