KOTA KINABALU: Asrul Amir was with his wife Sarina Rendi preparing their children for a shower when they heard shouts from outside their house.
Their neighbours were warning of an earthquake, prompting Asrul to step outside to investigate.
Before his eyes was a sudden water surge rushing towards the houses at Karamatoi Ulu in Sook in the interior of Keningau, some 150km from here.
Asrul ran inside, grabbing his two-year-old daughter, Norsifah, while Sarina carried their three-month-old son, Muhd Fadli.
But they never made it out, as their home, the closest to the swelling Sungai Talangkai, was swept away by the strong current.
The parents tried to swim to safety but were overwhelmed by the floodwaters.
They eventually lost hold of their children after being struck by floating logs.
Keningau OCPD Supt Yampil Garai confirmed the incident occurred on Tuesday at 9.32pm and that both children remained missing.
Their parents, who sustained injuries, are currently receiving treatment at the district hospital.
“The family lived in one of nine workers’ quarters belonging to Syarikat Kitam Sdn Bhd. Their house is located closest to the river, just about 20m away,” he said.
He added that Sungai Talangkai swelled after hours of continuous rain since 5pm.
Authorities believe the flooding may have been triggered by logging activities upstream.
