LABUAN, Jan 15 — A heavy downpour early today caused flash floods in several parts of the duty-free-island here.

The worst affected is Kg Rancha-Rancha Darat with at least two houses submerged, damaging furniture and electrical appliances.

Villager Mohd Rezuan Abd Hassan, 37, said flash floods frequently occurred when there was continuous rain.

"We have forwarded complaints to the authorities concerned but nothing has been done. We cannot afford to have this problem each time a heavy downpour occurs. We hope the local authority will look into our plight,” he told Bernama today.

He said his house was already under knee-deep of water in just one hour of heavy rain.

"My two children cannot attend school today as the house is still messy with mud and my wife is pregnant and due anytime now but I’m grateful that we’re all safe,” he said, noting the clogged drain and ongoing construction in the vicinity as the probable cause of the flash floods.

The heavy rain began around midnight and increased in intensity by 2am, causing many village roads on the island to be inundated. — Bernama