KOTA KINABALU: Quicker preparations and advance alerts taken seriously by villagers in flood prone areas are minimising loss of life and important documents in parts of Sabah.

       Areas like Kota Marudu, Paitan, Beluran, Telupid, Sandakan, Ranau and Lahad Datu were facing floods while Kinabatangan saw a mild landslide occur on Jan 1.

       Over 700 people had been evacuated thus far from districts of Kota Marudu, Paitan, Beluran, Telupid and Sandakan.

       Sabah Civil Defence Department director Sharudin Md. Zain said rescue officials including firemen and others had always been a step ahead in times of disaster.

       "However this time on our part, we heightened observations at flood prone areas while working with other agencies to set up evacuation centres earlier," he said.

       He said villagers living in these areas were also extra alert and had prepared their documents and what needed to be packed in times of evacuation.

       "I think everyone is on their toes following the severe flooding in peninsula Malaysia recently," Sharudin said when contacted on Sunday (Jan 2).

       From these floods, many of the evacuees came out of their villages before flood waters reached their houses.

       They were already prepared in advance due to the constant weather alerts and cautions issued by the Meteorological Department.

       As of 8am Sunday (Jan 2), a total of nine temporary shelters have been opened up, housing a total of 717 victims from 212 families.

       No casualties have been reported thus far.