PAPAR: A woman, who had just given birth, walked about 5km with the help of Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel to seek treatment at the Bongawan Health Clinic here yesterday.
A landslide caused by continuous rains and flood over the the past few days had cut off roads to Kampung Maihang Ulu Bongawan.
Family members, who were worried that the woman delivered her baby unassisted, contacted a nurse at Klinik Desa Tibabar.
The nurse, Evelyn Brimus, said the clinic called the Papar APM for assistance it was difficult to reach the family's home.
“A family member said the woman had to deliver the baby at home because of the landslides and flood.
“The phone line was so bad that she had to go to higher ground to make the call.
“I contacted APM for assistance. Upon reaching the place, they found the mother in stable condition, but the umbilical cord was still attached,” she added.
Papar APM civil defence officer Lieutenant Abdul Razaq Basir said they received a distress call at 7.03am and rushed to the village with two nurses from the clinic.
“The mother had to walk for 5km, crossing a river and passing three landslides.
“Her home was across the river and it was impossible to get to the other side due to the strong currents,” he added.
“However, when our team reached the place, the water had subsided and the river was safe for crossing again.”
Razaq said his team had to use an alternative route with the help of villagers to take the mother and her newborn to Bongawan Health Clinic, 20km away.