KOTA KINABALU, Jan 15 — Eleven primary schools in several districts in Sabah having a combined enrolment of about 2,000 pupils had to close today after they were hit by flash floods following incessant rain since yesterday morning.

State Education director Datuk Jame Alip said the districts affected were Kota Kinabalu, Sipitang, Kota Belud and Tuaran.

“In Kota Kinabalu, the schools affected are SK St Cathrine, SK Gudon, SK Kebayau and SK Tombongon,” he said when contacted by Bernama here.

In Tuaran, he said, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Hwa in Tengilan and Sekolah Kebangsaan Kauluan had to be closed while in Kota Belud, the schools affected were SK Menunggui, SK Tampasuk 1 and  SK Lasau Tintapon.

In Sipitang, SK Lubuk Darat and SK Kawang had to close whereas SJK (C) Sin Boon which was also hit, continued classes on the upper floors.

Jame said the schools would be reopened once the situation reverted to normal.

Meanwhile, in Tuaran, a family in Kampung Mongkolud had to evacuate their home on the advice of the Public Works Department because of the danger posed by a landslip nearby.

Tuaran Natural Disasters Management Committee secretary Abdullah Sani said the famly of five were now putting up with relatives.

He urged people needing help in the district because of floods or landlslide to call the committee’s secretariat at 088-093055. — Bernama