A devastating fire swept through a coastal water village in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island, destroying approximately 1,000 homes and displacing thousands of residents, according to local fire officials.
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Sunday, rapidly consuming the densely packed wooden stilt houses that characterize the community. Narrow access pathways severely hampered firefighting efforts, while strong winds fueled the flames, allowing the fire to spread uncontrollably.
Local police reported that around 9,000 residents have been affected by the disaster. Remarkably, authorities confirmed no fatalities or injuries have been recorded, though the scale of property loss is substantial.
Emergency services faced significant challenges reaching the affected area due to the village's unique aquatic architecture and limited entry points. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of traditional water communities to rapid-spreading fires.