BEAUFORT, Oct 28 — Heavy rain in Keningau, Tenom, Nabawan and Sook, as well as Beaufort and Sipitang, has caused the water level of the Padas River to rise and submerge several areas. 

The water level in Padas River has risen to 9.06m, above the danger level of 8.70m.

Beaufort Fire and Rescue Station Chief Ishak Jabas said several rescue agencies were on standby to evacuate victims at any time. 

He said rescue teams had been monitoring flooded villages, namely Kampung Batu 60, Kg Binunuk, Kg Balibata, Kg Bakalau, Kg Bingkul, Kg Lago, Kg Suasa, Kg Gumarit, Kg Kukup, Kg Bangkalalak, Kg Berumbai and Kg Kondu Suasa.

He said roads that were frequently flooded, such as Jalan Batu 60, Jalan Kg Bakalau and Jalan Kg Bingkul were still passable for all types of vehicles, as are the roads in Kg Gumarit, Kg Lago, Kg Suasa, Kg Kukup, Bangkalalak and Kg Berumbai.

Two schools were also affected by the floods, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Suasa and Sekolah Kebangsaan Lago.

An announcement has been made by government agencies for residents to be on standby for floods, especially those living along riverbanks.

Ishak said rescue teams on standby included the Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Malaysian Police and Civil Defence Force, while other agencies involved at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) were the Health Ministry, Social Welfare Department and Rela.

Ishak also advised residents living in low-lying areas to keep important documents in waterproof containers and not to let children play in floodwater.