Landslide damages houses, bridges and roads in Kiulu

KOTA KINABALU: A villager in Kiulu district’s Kampung Ranap kept a cool head and managed to get his family out of the house just before a landslide hit it on Monday (June 3) evening.

Half the house was damaged in the incident, Abel George said when interviewed on Tuesday (June 4).

“It had been raining non-stop since noon. I saw the water rising and grew worried because only my three sons were at home, under the care of the eldest, aged 13,” said the 44-year-old, fondly called Gibol by his fellow villagers.

Abel said his wife was working at a store in Kiulu town, about 400m away from their house, while he worked at a hardware shop a short walk from home.

“At around 5.30pm, when the rain did not stop, I decided to fetch my wife from work and went straight home.

“My two younger sons, aged 10 and seven, were sleeping in the living room, enjoying the cool weather.

“My eldest son went to take a shower after we arrived,” he said.

Feeling uneasy, he drove his car to higher ground.

Just as he returned to sit on the couch, he saw water rushing in through the gap between the floor and the front door.

“I heard cracking sounds from outside and told my family to quickly leave the house before the landslide hit.

“We drove to my mother’s house nearby,” he said, adding that they did not manage to grab anything except their MyKad and birth certificates.

He returned to the house later to find that the landslide had badly damaged the master bedroom, kitchen and toilet.

“I’ve taken two days off to clean the house, which is still filled with water and earth. It will take a while to clean everything up.

“I worry that things will get worse if the rain does not stop. For now, we’re putting up at my mother’s house,” he said.

Jude Kunsiang, from neighbouring Kampung Mongkonihab, saw his partly-built house damaged by the landslide.

The 48-year-old security guard, who lives alone, said he was away at work in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park when the incident occurred.

“I found out about it when my brother sent me photos of the damaged house. I only left to check after my shift ended at 7.30pm (on Monday),” he said.

He said the landslide had damaged the walls of one bedroom and access to the kitchen was blocked.

“The water in the house is ankle-deep. This has never happened before, and I hope there will not be a repeat,” he said.

Jude said he had just moved into the house, which was about 90% complete.

“I (had just) moved out from my mother’s house to live on my own. I guess I’ll have to move back to her place until it’s safe and clear,” he said.

Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai visited the affected areas on Tuesday.

“I want to see the extent of the damage for myself,” he said.

Bangkuai also handed contributions to the affected duo.

He said he had instructed his office and the Central Community Development Unit (UPPM) to see that the necessary assistance is given and the appropriate action taken.

“I advised the homeowners to stay with relatives for their safety for the time being. In one house, a room was filled with debris. If the rain continues, it could pose a significant danger,” he said.

The heavy rain and landslide also damaged two suspension bridges at Kampung Tombongon and Rugaman.

“These bridges are crucial for the villagers, especially children, to cross from their respective villages to the school across the river,” Bangkuai said.

He said access to several villages in the area had also been blocked by the landslide and mudflow.