A fire in a coastal village in Sandakan district, Sabah state, Malaysia, has destroyed approximately 200 homes, displacing hundreds of people. According to the state news agency Bernama, the fire started at about 1:32 a.m. on Sunday (17:32 GMT, Saturday).

Sandakan district fire and rescue chief Jimmy Lagung stated that strong winds and the close proximity of the houses caused the fire to spread rapidly, while low tide conditions made it difficult to obtain an open water source. The fire broke out in one of Sabah's water villages, featuring wooden houses built on stilts, which are home to some of the country's poorest communities, including many stateless and indigenous groups.

Bernama reported that about 445 people have been displaced so far, based on unofficial figures from those registered at a temporary relief centre in Sandakan. Datuk Walter Kenson, head of the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee, said an examination of the village found the homes of affected residents "are no longer safe to live in."

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government is coordinating with Sabah authorities to provide basic assistance and temporary relocation for those affected. In a Facebook post, he stated, "The priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground."

The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges and vulnerability to natural disasters in impoverished settlements in Sabah state. Local authorities are managing temporary shelter and food distribution, but long-term recovery plans remain uncertain.

Source: www.aljazeera.com