Floods: Rescuers in Sabah on added alert after croc sightings


KOTA KINABALU: Firemen in east coast Lahad Datu and nearby districts such as Kinabatangan where crocodile attacks are rampant are taking extra precautions while carrying out flood relief operations.

Lahad Datu fire station chief Sumsoa Rashid said those involved in evacuation and rescue efforts over the last two days have noted the presence of the reptiles lurking in the waters.

“We saw crocodiles in the water with part of their heads above the surface.

"Whenever we encounter them, we stop and allow them to swim past," he told the media on Friday (Jan 31).

He said they are aware of crocodiles in the rivers as they have dealt with numerous reports of attacks.

Sumsoa said crocodiles would normally not attack unless provoked, so the Fire and Rescue Department has procedures in place to minimise risks to both rescue workers and flood victims.

“As long as we remain alert and keep our distance when we spot these reptiles, we should be fine,” he said.

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He said crocodiles were just one of the challenges firemen faced in flood-hit areas, in addition to the risk of being swept away by strong currents, logistics issues and other obstacles in trying to reach victims to bring them to safety.

Sumsoa said the department was working with agencies such as the Sabah Wildlife Department during flood season.

Other than Lahad Datu, there were also reported sightings of crocodiles in flooded areas of Sandakan and Kinabatangan.

A public alert was circulated on social media on the Lahad Datu Info page warning them of the presence of crocodiles in floodwaters.

It stated that rising water levels and continuous rain might increase the presence of crocodiles in areas near rivers and drains, including in residential areas.

The people were warned not to go near such high-risk areas and to avoid water activities.

They may report any crocodile sightings to the district taskforce hotline at 089-551121 or the Wildlife Department at 089-561527.

According to the Malaysia Civil Defence Department, the number of flood victims continued to rise in Kota Marudu, Paitan and Pitas district as at 8am.

The situation Tongod, Telupid, Sandakan, Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Beluran and Beaufort remains stable.

A total of 5,617 victims are taking shelter at the 39 temporary relief centres in the state, involving 1,899 families from a total of 10 districts.

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