KOTA KINABALU: People at Kundasang, Ranau and Kota Belud are expected to brace for mudslides following moderate earthquake with magnitude of 5.2 on Richter scale in Ranau last night.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah geologist Professor Dr Felix Tongkul said mudslide was possible following the recent quake and several aftershocks at Mount Kinabalu.
“There were several rubbles falling off from the mountain which would possibly cause mudslide if there is continuous heavy downpour,” he said when contacted by NSTP.
He advised people living near the river in Kundasang, Ranau and Kota Belud to take precautions especially when it rains heavily.
Felix, however, said they do not expect any change in terms of structure and height of Mount Kinabalu.
Based on information by Sabah Parks, several landslips including at KM1.5, which was impassable, have been identified following the quake.
It is believed that several landslips also occurred at the mountain site facing Mesilau in Kundasang and at the back of Tunku Abdul Rahman peak based on the loud sounds heard last night.
During the June 5, 2015, earthquake, which measured 5.9 on the Richter scale, there were two mudslide incidents which drifted big rubbles, trees and destroyed the banks of rivers in Kundasang and Kota Belud.
The incidents had damaged properties, water source and soil structure in nearby rivers.
The aftermaths of the mudslides were still affecting people as it was related to the frequent floodings in Kota Belud due to mud deposition at the rivers.