Firefighters Ensure Safety After Mild Earthquake Shakes Sabah's Ranau District

KOTA KINABALU: Firefighters were swiftly mobilised to ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure following a mild earthquake that shook Sabah's hilly Ranau district on Tuesday morning. The quake, which registered a magnitude of 3.1, struck at 10.01am, with its epicentre located 14km west of Ranau at a depth of 10km, as reported by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). In response to this seismic activity, the Ranau Fire and Rescue Services Department took proactive measures to safeguard the community. Chief Ridwan Mohd Taib of the Ranau Fire and Rescue Services Department stated that a team comprising two personnel was dispatched, led by Senior Fire Officer Domianus Gidin. Their primary task was to conduct safety patrols in key locations, including several secondary schools such as SMK Ranau, SMK Mat Salleh, and SMK Kundasang. The aim was to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the public in the aftermath of the quake. "The firefighters conducted thorough patrols across key locations to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the public," Ridwan noted. “The team reported that the situation remained under control, with no casualties or damage identified.” The firefighters remained vigilant until their operations concluded at 12.20pm, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. Ridwan added that these patrols were critical in reassuring the community of the stability of the situation, stating, "The patrols were necessary to assure the community that the situation was stable and there were no immediate threats." Interestingly, this earthquake was not an isolated incident. Just a day earlier, on Monday, Ranau experienced another mild earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale, which occurred at 2.56pm. The epicentre of this quake was located approximately 15km west of Ranau. Ranau, situated in a region known for its seismic activity, has experienced significant earthquakes in the past. One of the most devastating events occurred on June 5, 2015, when a 6.1-magnitude quake struck, leading to the tragic loss of 18 lives, including six Malaysians and several foreign climbers who were on Mount Kinabalu at the time. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by seismic activity in the area. Sabah's seismic history dates back even further, with its first significant recorded earthquake occurring on July 26, 1976, near Lahad Datu. This 6.3-magnitude quake is still remembered as one of the strongest seismic events recorded in Malaysia. As the community of Ranau remains vigilant in light of these recent tremors, the swift response of local firefighters underscores the importance of preparedness and safety in a region characterized by its geological activity. The commitment of the Fire and Rescue Services to monitor and protect the residents reflects a proactive approach to managing the risks associated with living in such an area.