Ranau and Kundasang roads buried in mud after heavy rain, authorities warn of more landslides

RANAU, Oct 17 — Heavy rain on Thursday triggered mudflows and landslides at several locations around Ranau and Kundasang, leaving roads covered in mud, rocks and debris and prompting authorities to step up safety monitoring.

The affected areas include Jalan Kundasang-Mohimboyon, Kampung Lipantai, Kibbas-Tambiau and the Mohimboyon-Kundasang Lama route, according to the Karanaan Community Development Leader’s Unit (UPPM).

The muddy conditions posed hazards to motorists and motorcyclists, particularly along roads where mud and rocks had spilled onto the surface.

Ranau District Police Chief Supt Mursalin Mahmud urged residents and road users to remain vigilant, warning that continued rainfall could trigger flash floods and further landslides.

Police received a report of a mudflow along Jalan Kundasang-Mohimboyon and deployed personnel to the location at 6.15pm.

Upon arrival, officers found that clean-up work was already underway using two machines and eight workers.

The affected section, estimated at about 20ft by 40ft, was subsequently cleared, and the road was reported passable in both directions.

No casualties were reported.

Mursalin urged residents to report incidents promptly so authorities could assess the situation and provide assistance where necessary, adding that Ranau police remained on standby to safeguard public safety.

Meanwhile, four personnel from the Ranau Civil Defence Force monitored flood-prone locations, including Sungai Mansahaban and Sungai Liwagu, as well as a blocked drain at the Takurik junction along Jalan Sinarut Baru.

The inspection found that branches had obstructed the drain, and personnel removed them to restore water flow.

Water levels at Sungai Mansahaban and Sungai Liwagu remained under control during the monitoring exercise and had not affected nearby homes.

Light rain was reported at the time, with no emergency incidents recorded.

Civil Defence personnel advised residents to remain alert and move to safer locations if water levels rose, while contacting emergency services if assistance was needed.

Separately, the Civil Defence Force’s Kundasang unit monitored a landslide at Kampung Himbaan reported at 4pm.

Three personnel inspected the area and identified four landslide locations along the route, as well as water flowing across the road surface.

The affected slope was estimated to be about 20ft high and five metres wide.

Initial checks were conducted to assess road conditions and protect road users.

No casualties were reported during the inspection, and monitoring was to continue as rainfall persisted.

Residents and motorists were advised to avoid hazardous areas and remain alert to possible further slope failures.

Authorities said monitoring operations had not identified any affected villages, schools, buildings, healthcare facilities or roads requiring evacuation.

No temporary relief centres had been opened at the time of the Civil Defence assessment.

The authorities urged the public to take extra precautions during prolonged wet weather, avoid driving through dangerous sections and report any sudden rise in water levels, mudflows or fresh ground movement.

For emergencies in the Kundasang area, the public can contact the NG999 emergency line or the Kundasang Operations Control Centre at 088-888991. — Daily Express

* Editor’s note: The initials UPPM in Malay stands for Unit Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat, or Community Development Leader’s Unit in English.