Fire destroys over 20 squatter homes in Likas, Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Over 20 squatter houses in Kampung Cenderamata 2, Likas near here, were destroyed in a fire early this morning.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Operation Centre (PGO) in a statement today said three engines and 31 personnel were rushed to the scene after they were alerted of the fire at 5.24am.
According to the statement firefighters were still putting out the blaze at the site
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, two women narrowly escaped death when their house at Kampung Batu 60, Jalan Bambangan, Beaufort, about 90km from here, was swept away by strong currents yesterday evening.
A PGO statement said the two victims Rozlin Epal, 41, and Shirley Pius, 21, survived by clinging to a tree after they were swept as far as 50 and 100 metres away.
They were later rescued by family members.
Meanwhile, residents living near the riverbanks were reminded to stay alert and prepare for evacuation should there be a rise in water level. — Bernama