Dad’s quick thinking saves family from landslide
KOTA KINABALU: Abel George’s fatherly instinct helped save his family from a landslide that damaged his house in Kampung Ranap, Kiulu.

Abel, concerned about his three sons left at home under the care of his eldest (aged 13), rushed home after picking up his wife from work near their house. The heavy rain that had been relentless since noon only heightened his worry.

“It had been raining non-stop since noon yesterday and I saw the water rising,” said the 44-year-old.

Abel said his wife worked at a store in Kiulu town, about 400m away from home, while he worked at a hardware shop near his house.

An unsettling feeling prompted him to move his car to higher ground.

“When I reached home, my younger sons were asleep in the living room while my eldest was taking a shower,” he said.

Just as Abel settled on the couch, water began gushing into the house through the gap under the door.

“Then I heard crackling sounds from outside,” he said, adding that he alerted his family and evacuated them to his mother’s house nearby.

He could only grab their essential documents (MyKad and birth certificates) before leaving the quickly flooding house.

Abel later went back to find the landslide had caused significant damage to the master bedroom, kitchen and toilet.

“I worry that if the rain does not stop, the situation will get worse. For now, we will be staying at my mother’s house,” he said.Another villager from neighbouring Kampung Mongkonihab, Jude Kunsiang, also faced the wrath of the landslide.

The 48-year-old security guard, who lives alone, discovered the damage only after his brother sent him pictures when he returned home from his shift.

The landslide damaged the walls of one of Jude’s bedrooms and blocked access to the kitchen with debris. He has relocated to his mother’s house until repairs can be made.

“Such an incident has never happened, and I hope there will not be a repeat,” he said.

Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai visited the affected areas and handed over personal donations.

He has instructed his office to collaborate with the Central Community Development Unit to submit a comprehensive report to the authorities to ensure that necessary assistance is provided to those affected by the landslide.

The heavy rain and landslide also damaged two suspension bridges in Kampung Tombongon and Raganan.
Sabah & Sarawak
KOTA KINABALU: Abel George’s fatherly instinct helped save his family from a landslide that damaged his house in Kampung Ranap, Kiulu.