4 days ago
Waves destroy two homes, nine fall into sea in Sandakan
One of the houses damaged by waves.
SANDAKAN (June 3): Two stilt houses in Kampung Bokara Jambatan 4 were severely damaged after being struck by strong waves early Tuesday morning.
In the 6am incident, nine residents — six adults and three children — fell into the sea when the kitchen of one house collapsed entirely, while a room in the second house gave way to.
All the victims were rescued without sustaining serious injuries.
Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin said he was informed of the incident immediately and directed the Karamunting ADUN Task Force Team to rush to the scene. The team, joined by the village chief and the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), assessed the damage and identified the victims' urgent needs.
'We also provided initial assistance to both families as emergency relief,' Hiew said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the state Welfare Department had been contacted to expedite further aid, especially with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration approaching.
'We don't want any family to be neglected, especially ahead of the festive season. Any form of assistance that can be delivered quickly will be arranged,' he assured.
Hiew confirmed that both affected families have lodged police reports regarding the incident.
He also urged villagers to stay alert, particularly those living in poorly maintained homes or high-risk areas.
