Blaze in Sabah's Water Village Leaves Thousands Homeless
A devastating fire in Sabah's Sandakan district has displaced thousands, destroying approximately 1,000 homes in a coastal village known for its stilt houses. Strong winds exacerbated the blaze, affecting over 9,000 residents, many of whom belong to marginalized communities. Relief efforts are underway to provide urgent aid.
A damaging fire caught Malaysian coastal village Berdamai on Sabah Island off guard, destroying 1,000 homes. Thousands are left displaced, authorities reported.
Approximately 1.32 a.m. local time, fire services faced wind-driven flames moving through the village's wooden structures, hindering their access to sufficient open water due to low tide.
While there were no fatalities, around 9,000 villagers lost residences, mostly belonging to indigenous and stateless communities. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that federal and Sabah authorities are collaborating to deliver immediate relief and temporary housing.
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Inferno in Sabah: Hundreds Displaced in Coastal Village Blaze