Ranau residents told to brace for more rain, landslides

Ranau residents have been instructed to prepare for additional rainfall and potential landslides until the beginning of the following week. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, stated that the nation is presently in the inter-monsoon phase, which entails light winds originating from multiple directions and high humidity. These atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of active rain clouds, including in the state of Sabah.

Throughout this week, Ranau experienced rainfall from midday to evening, and similar wet weather is anticipated to endure until early next week. Two meteorological stations in the region recorded heavy rainfall between October 18 and 20, with rainfall totals ranging from 20mm to 75mm over a few hours. These events occurred following a series of landslides that caused a vehicle and part of a homestay building to collapse in Kampung Gorowot, Kundasang, according to Dr Anip.

Tinus Manggam, the Ranau district officer, advised residents and homestay proprietors to be prepared for potential evacuation as authorities continue to monitor the risk of further damage and possible structural collapse. It is important to note that evacuation is not currently mandatory; however, a mandatory order would only be issued if the situation reached a critical level.

Approximately 40 houses in the Kampung Gorowot area were affected by the road collapse, with eight homes identified as being at high risk. These buildings were constructed over a natural watercourse with a culvert that had become blocked, resulting in water accumulation in a nearby pond. The immediate priority is to drain the pond to prevent a more significant disaster from occurring in nearby homes. However, repair work on the damaged road has not yet commenced due to persistent afternoon rain.