KOTA KINABALU, June 22 — In the wake of Sabah’s deadly earthquake and the ensuing aftershocks, post-hazard assessments must be conducted to ensure the integrity of affected buildings, infrastructure and land before continuing usage, said the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM).

Its president, Datuk Ir. Lim Chow Hock said such assessments were necessary in emergency operations and should be undertaken by qualified professionals in order to ensure public safety.

Lim said that the highest threats of post-quake hazards are landslides, rockfall, debris-laden streamflow and ground liquefaction-related damages, all of which could potentially destroy buildings, bridges, homes and farmlands and disrupt infrastructures such as power lines, road links, telecommunications, water supply, healthcare and public order.

“IEM, with its large number of members possessing the necessary professional qualifications and expertise is ready to assist the authorities in assessing the affected areas for safe emergency operations and subsequent reconstruction works,” he said in a statement today.

Sabah was hit on June 5 by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that killed 18 Mount Kinabalu climbers, people and caused structural damage to several buildings and roads in the Ranau and Kundasang areas near the epicentre.

Some 87 aftershocks since June 5 have caused more damage, with some 60 schools in seven districts affected, including four that suffered serious damage.

“It would be incumbent upon the authorities to promptly evacuate people from the identified hazard zones to avoid casualties.

“The evacuees need to be relocated to safety in temporary shelters with food and basic needs until such time that the hazards are identified and addressed; and essential services restored to their communities.” said Lim.

Yesterday, the last of the three evacuation centres in the disaster-stricken area was closed.

The Ranau community centre and Merakau hall were closed on Friday, while the Kundasang mini-hall closed yesterday at 5pm.

Villagers from Kampung Mesilau, which was hit by mudslides, rockfalls and a landslide that collapsed a bridge and cut off access to the main road, have moved back into their homes but have prepared the nearby Surau as an emergency evacuation centre.