KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 12 -- Flood disasters have been declared in Penampang and Beaufort after days of heavy rain triggered rising river levels and inundated low-lying homes, forcing hundreds of residents into evacuation centres.

In Penampang, sub-district officer Noemi Dyena John Tren, who chairs the District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), confirmed the declaration at 7.30pm yesterday after conditions worsened.

"Based on reports and information received from agencies on the ground, it is hereby declared that a flood disaster has occurred in the district of Penampang," she said in a statement.

Three temporary evacuation centres (PPS) - the Penampang Sports Complex, SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin and SK St Paul Kolopis - were immediatel...