Advertisements
KOTA KINABALU, 5 March 2025 – A peaceful early morning sahur turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a 53-year-old mother lost her life after being buried in a landslide that destroyed her home in Kampung Lok Bonu, Sepanggar.
The landslide, which struck around 4am, completely wiped out the family’s simple home, leaving the woman trapped under layers of earth and debris.
Sahur Moments Before Disaster
Advertisements
The victim’s son, known as Al, 39, shared that at the time of the incident, he was working at a nearby factory. His mother and younger sister, aged 25, had just completed their sahur meal together, preparing to fast for the day.
Suddenly, a loud rumbling sound shook the house. Al’s younger sister ran outside to check, but within moments, the earth beneath them gave way. She desperately tried to pull her mother to safety, but the force of the landslide was too strong, throwing them apart. The house itself was shifted several meters from its original location.
Villagers Unite to Search for Victim
Al rushed back to his home as soon as he received the distressing call. Together with neighbours, they began digging through the rubble, searching for his mother. Sadly, they found her lifeless beneath the landslide debris.
Despite their best efforts, the weight of the soil and damage to the house made rescue difficult, prompting the villagers to call for professional help.
Emergency Response
Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Ordine Gilu, confirmed that his team received the emergency call at 4.32am. A total of 11 firefighters, along with specialised equipment and the Emergency Services Relief Unit (EMRS), were immediately dispatched.
“When we arrived, the house was already completely destroyed by the landslide,” said Ordine.
Firefighters managed to recover the woman’s body, and medical officers from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) confirmed her death at the scene. Fortunately, the victim’s daughter miraculously escaped unhurt.
Continuous Monitoring at Landslide Site
Authorities are still closely monitoring the area due to the risk of further soil movement. The public is advised to remain cautious, especially in hillside villages during the current rainy season.
This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by hillside residents, especially during heavy rain or unstable weather conditions.