5-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Forty-nine individuals on Mount Kinabalu were successfully brought down to safety following a sudden torrent of water down the summit trail caused by heavy rains. The incident, occurring around 5.50 am on December 4, prompted guides and porters to swiftly assist climbers in navigating the challenging conditions.
Maklarin Lakim, the director of Sabah Parks, reported that all climbers were safely guided down using the same trail, with no untoward incidents. The coordinated effort to rescue climbers from the challenging conditions showcased the effectiveness of the safety measures in place.
A video shared on the Mount Kinabalu Facebook page illustrated the challenging descent, with climbers being aided by guides as they navigated the flooded trail. Typically, climbers ascend to the 4,095m summit around 2 am to reach Low’s Peak before sunrise, with the descent beginning after 6 am.
This is not the first instance of heavy rains causing challenges on the trail, as a similar incident was reported on October 14, 2022, and earlier in September. Recognizing the potential dangers associated with heavy rains, Sabah Parks prioritizes safety and cancels climbs when conditions become too hazardous.
