Sandakan: A fire that broke out Sunday morning destroyed approximately 200 stilt houses in the Kampung Bahagia water village of Sandakan, Malaysia. Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station chief, Jimmy Lagung, said that firefighting operations are still underway and the blaze has not yet been brought under control. He noted that firefighters are facing difficulties reaching the site due to narrow access roads which hindered the movement of fire engines.

According to Qatar News Agency, strong winds and the close proximity of the houses contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, while low tide conditions made it difficult to obtain an open water source. Meanwhile, Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Walter Kenson declared a disaster following the fire, noting the activation of a temporary relief center to accommodate affected residents. He added that the affected homes are no longer safe to live in following the fire incident.

Unofficial figures indicate that approximately 445 people from 89 families were displaced due to the fire.