Sandakan: The Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) today declared a fire disaster in the district following a blaze that destroyed 28 houses at Pulau Nunuyan Laut early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sandakan JPBD chairman Datuk Walter Kenson said the declaration was made at 9 am based on reports and information received from agencies on the ground.

In a statement here today, he said a temporary relief centre (PPS) was opened at Masjid Al Fattah, Kampung Nunuyan Laut, at 10 am following the declaration.

He said the centre was activated after the affected homes were deemed unsafe for occupation, with registration of victims currently underway.