Approximately 200 homes were devastated by a significant fire that erupted in a water village in Kampung Bahagia, Sabah, during the early hours of Sunday (April 19).

According to a statement from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department, the fire ignited around 1:32 AM and swiftly spread through the closely packed wooden houses built on stilts, as reported by The Star.

This area is inhabited by some of the nation’s most disadvantaged communities, including numerous stateless and indigenous groups.

The department reported that the makeshift structures, each spanning roughly 300 square feet, were entirely destroyed.

As of now, around 445 individuals have been displaced, as per unofficial figures cited by Bernama, which noted the number of people registered at a temporary relief center in Sandakan.

About 35 firefighters from the Sandakan and Kinabatangan stations arrived at the scene around 1:50 AM, according to the New Straits Times, but narrow access routes hindered fire engines from reaching the affected area directly.

The fire department indicated that low tide restricted access to water sources, and strong winds, along with closely constructed homes, facilitated the rapid spread of the fire.

Firefighters utilized water tankers and a pressurized hydrant from a nearby factory to manage the blaze, as reported by NST.

Firefighting efforts are still ongoing, and the fire has not yet been completely extinguished, according to reports.

No casualties have been reported.