BEAUFORT: Residents here are facing difficulty as the town, the hub of their economic activities and daily life, has been hit by floods since March 7 and the roads are now only open to heavy vehicles while train services have been disrupted.

Beaufort town is located 97km south of Kota Kinabalu, with the nearest towns being Kuala Penyu (40km), Papar (54km) and Menumbok (63km).

However, the affected roads in surrounding areas, including Membakut, are making it difficult for residents to move around.

A visit by Bernama found residents struggling to obtain daily necessities as all shops are closed, with some premises submerged up to the level of the signboards.

Residents have been forced to use boats to reach some areas of the town due to the floodwaters.

Florance Jerome, a 44-year-old teacher, said she and staff from Sekolah Kebangsaan St John and the Parent-Teacher Association are working to gather food and supplies for those affected.

“The security guard at the school has also been without food since last Friday due to the floods, as have residents in the surrounding areas. We’ve been trying to get supplies, but it’s been quite difficult, especially trying to get past the floodwaters in the town,” she said.

Housewife Normah Sulaiman, 58, said the train service is a vital link between rural and remote areas, as well as to major cities such as Kota Kinabalu. With the service disrupted, residents are facing difficulty moving about, Bernama reported.

“Many rely on the train to go to Kota Kinabalu, whether for work or to visit relatives. It is the most affordable and safest option, especially for elderly people like me who are unable to drive long distances.”