KOTA KINABALU: A total of 202 houses were affected in a fire involving stilt houses at Kampung Numbak here early this morning, with 134 residents from 40 households now being housed at two Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS).
According to the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), as of 4pm, two PPS were operating to accommodate the victims, namely Dewan Serbaguna Likas and Dewan Damai.
Of the total, 110 victims from 34 households were placed at Dewan Serbaguna Likas, while 24 victims from six households were housed at Dewan Damai. Both PPS were opened at 10am and the number of registered victims is still increasing.
The fire, which was reported at 1.40am, also claimed the lives of three children, with JPBN records confirming three fatalities from the disaster at Kampung Numbak.
The Sabah Welfare Services Department confirmed that all three victims were Malaysians identified as Mohd Asrul Abdullah, 6; Nana Abdullah, 4; and Nur Farah Bilah Mohd Tajah, 8.
The fire involved a squatter settlement of houses built over water covering Kampung Lok Buta, Kampung Lok Poring and Kampung Sabang Lama, with the affected area estimated at 260 metres by 380 metres.
Firefighting operations involved 44 personnel from the Kota Kinabalu, Lintas, Penampang and Tuaran Fire and Rescue Stations, with assistance from other agencies.
The fire was successfully brought under control and prevented from spreading to nearby areas, while firefighting and overhaul operations continued.
JPBN said based on field reports Dewan Serbaguna Likas was congested due to the ongoing registration of victims.
Dewan Damai, which has a capacity of about 70 tents or more than 100 families, was also opened as the second PPS.
Preliminary observations also found that some of the occupants of the squatter settlement were not local residents.
Accordingly, the PPS are being provided for affected local residents, while control measures are being implemented to ensure that no new structures are built in the squatter area.
JPBN Sabah will continue to monitor developments, including the registration of victims, needs at the PPS and post-disaster operations from time to time.-pr/BNN
