Monday, April 20, 2026-A devastating fire tore through a coastal village in Sabah, destroying around 200 homes and leaving hundreds of residents suddenly homeless.
The blaze broke out in the early hours in the Sandakan district, spreading rapidly through tightly packed houses before emergency crews could bring it under control.
Authorities say strong winds and the close proximity of the wooden homes fueled the fire’s արագ spread, while low tide conditions made it difficult for firefighters to access sufficient water to contain the flames.
The affected area is one of Sabah’s “water villages,” where homes are built on stilts and densely clustered, making them highly vulnerable to fast-moving fires.
Hundreds of people have been displaced, with many forced into temporary shelters as officials focus on immediate relief efforts, including food, safety, and relocation.
While no deaths have been reported, the scale of destruction has left entire families without homes, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by vulnerable coastal communities in the region.
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