KOTA KINABALU, Sept 12 — Flood disasters have been declared in Penampang and Beaufort after days of heavy rain triggered rising river levels and inundated low-lying homes, forcing hundreds of residents into evacuation centres.

In Penampang, sub-district officer Noemi Dyena John Tren, who chairs the District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), confirmed the declaration at 7.30pm yesterday after conditions worsened.

“Based on reports and information received from agencies on the ground, it is hereby declared that a flood disaster has occurred in the district of Penampang,” she said in a statement.

Three temporary evacuation centres (PPS) — the Penampang Sports Complex, SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin and SK St Paul Kolopis — were immediately activated to house displaced families.

Traffic was also disrupted as several major roads in Penampang became impassable to regular vehicles, including Jalan St Michael, Jalan St Joseph, Jalan Dakata, Jalan Kolopis and Jalan Nambazan. Parts of Donggongon town were submerged after heavy rain began around 3pm.

Residents in Donggongon, one of the worst-hit areas, voiced frustration as some homes were flooded for the third time in just 10 days, forcing repeated clean-ups and heightening calls for long-term flood mitigation measures.

In Beaufort, District Disaster Management Committee chairman Mohd Nazri Ajun confirmed that the Selagon Permanent Relief Centre (PPK) had been opened after inspections found several homes unsafe to occupy.

“The Selagon PPK was opened to ensure residents affected by the floods had a safe place to stay,” he said.

Personnel from the Civil Defence Force (APM) were also deployed to inspect roads leading to several villages in Beaufort after reports of rising floodwaters.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned of thunderstorms and heavy rain lasting from September 10 to 13 in several districts, including Sipitang, Tenom, Beaufort, Nabawan, Papar, Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Tongod, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Kudat.