KOTA KINABALU: All 239 people who were on Mount Kinabalu, including 130 climbers, have been safely evacuated following the 5.02 magnitude earthquake that hit the Ranau district on Thursday (March 8) evening. Others brought down by Mountain Search and Rescue teams include Sutera staff who were managing the hostels on Mount Kinabalu, four construction workers, and Sabah Parks staff. The epicentre of the earthquake was at a depth of about 5km at a spot 16km north of the mountain between Ranau and Kota Marudu. The tremors were felt on the western face of the Mount Kinabalu from Kota Belud, Tamparuli, Kiulu and the city here, while residents in areas like Penampang and Papar also reported feeling the tremors. Universiti Malaysia Sabah geologist Prof Felix Tongul has cautioned residents to brace for more aftershocks from the earthquake.

Source: The Star March 09, 2018 01:31 UTC