Flooding Crisis Displaces Over 1,000 in Northern Sabah

As of February 20, 2026, flooding in the northern districts of Sabah, Malaysia, has intensified, displacing 1,070 individuals from 376 families, according to the Sabah State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC). The districts of Kota Marudu and Pitas are the most severely affected, with Pitas alone accounting for 780 evacuees from 286 families. Floodwaters have impacted 30 villages, prompting the activation of multiple temporary evacuation centers, including SK Rukom Ulu and the district council hall. In Kota Marudu, 290 individuals from 90 families are currently sheltered at SMK Tandek 2, as authorities continue to monitor rising river levels due to persistent rainfall.

The Straits TimesSabah govt closely monitors floods as 336 evacuated in Kota Marudu and Pitas

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has assured that the Sabah government is closely monitoring the situation and mobilizing resources through district Disaster Management Committees. He emphasized the importance of swift assistance to those affected by the floods, stating, “I have instructed the Disaster Management Committee to activate its machinery to ensure swift assistance is rendered to those in need.” The SDCC is also keeping an eye on conditions in Sandakan and Paitan, where heavy rainfall has caused flash floods and disrupted traffic.

Sabah govt closely monitors floods as 336 evacuated in Kota Marudu and Pitas

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued severe continuous rain warnings for several areas in northern Sabah, urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders. The authorities have indicated that rainfall may continue into February 21, raising concerns about further flooding in the affected districts.

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While the government has mobilized resources, some residents have expressed concerns about the speed and effectiveness of the response. Critics argue that more proactive measures could have been taken to prepare for the flooding, given the weather forecasts. Local leaders have called for improved infrastructure and better communication regarding evacuation procedures to ensure the safety of residents in future emergencies.

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There is a discrepancy in the reported number of evacuees, with earlier figures indicating 336 individuals evacuated, which later rose to over 1,000 as conditions worsened. This highlights the rapidly changing nature of the situation and the challenges faced by authorities in providing accurate and timely information.

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• “I have instructed the Disaster Management Committee to activate its machinery to ensure swift assistance is rendered to those in need,” — Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah

Sabah govt closely monitors floods as 336 evacuated in Kota Marudu and Pitas

• “The Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a severe continuous rain warning for several areas in northern Sabah, with the authorities urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders when instructed.” — Malaysian Meteorological Department

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The ongoing flooding crisis in Sabah underscores the need for effective disaster management strategies and community preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.

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