Thousands were left stranded and cut-off from
communication after heavy rainfall destroyed one major bridge and caused roads
to cave-in in Malaysia's eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island,
news reports said Friday, dpa reported.
Thousands of residents living in the interior areas of Sarawak's Miri district
were left stranded in their homes due to rising river waters, while landslides
and floods caused many others to be stuck in other parts of the state.
A major highway also reportedly collapsed into a 30-metre-deep ravine, cutting
off links to hundreds of people from several villages, the Star daily reported.
In neighbouring Sabah state, a major bridge collapsed from the weight of a
lorry after more than 24-hours of heavy downpour late Wednesday, the report
said.
No deaths have been reported in both states.
Rainfall in the two states has been abnormally heavy in the past week, with
meteorological officers saying the weather is unlikely to improve soon.
Residential and villages in Sabah and Sarawak are connected by the states' vast
network of rivers, with boats and small planes being the main mode of
transportation.
Rescue officials from both states have said food supplies are currently being
sent to affected areas via helicopters and boats.
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