A young boy and an elderly woman were found drowned after being swept away by sudden floodwaters while trying to escape to safety in Kampung Bangkulut Imbak, Sabah, late last night.
It is believed the seven-year-old boy was torn from his mother’s grasp before being carried away by the strong currents. The victims were reportedly attempting to cross a flooded road to reach higher ground around 9 p.m.
Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station chief, Hairi Otuh, said they received an emergency call about the incident at 9:46 p.m. and dispatched five personnel to the scene.
He said the river level had risen sharply due to a sudden surge of water.
“Rescuers only arrived at the scene around 3 a.m. due to the long distance, about 169 kilometers from the station.
“The first victim, an Indonesian woman identified as Darna Nosi, 79, was found about 250 meters from the spot where she was reported missing.
“The child victim, Haskif Abdullah @ Hashim, was found around 4 a.m., about 200 meters from where the first victim was discovered,” he said.
Hairi confirmed both victims had died and their remains were handed over to the police for further action.
The rescue operation involved police, the Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Tongod Volunteer Fire Brigade.
“No evacuation was required as the river waters receded completely, and the operation ended around 5 a.m.,” he added.
