Tawau: Forty-eight residents affected by a flash flood in Kampung Tanjung Batu Keramat here were evacuated by the Fire and Rescue Department to a nearby mosque early this morning. Tawau Fire and Rescue Station chief Jemishin Ujin said a team arrived at the scene at 3.16 am and evacuated the victims, including 18 children.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation concluded at 7.30 am. Monitoring and evacuation efforts were carried out as floodwaters continued to recede, and the situation is now under control. Jemishin stated in a statement today that the department also received several emergency calls related to flooding in Taman Ria 1, Taman Hot Spring, and Taman SunShu housing area.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the situation and provide immediate assistance where necessary, he added. Meanwhile, Tawau District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) chairman Mohd Shoffian Mohd Said, in a separate statement, declared a flood disaster in the district. He said the declaration took effect at 8.30 am based on reports and information received from agencies under the district disaster management committee.