The number of flood victims in Sabah and Sarawak has risen to over 1,300 as heavy rain continues to force residents from their homes.

KOTA MARUDU: The number of flood evacuees in Sabah and Sarawak climbed to 1,361 people this morning as continuous heavy rain persists.

In Sabah, the total surged to 1,020 people from 502 families, a sharp increase from the 445 people recorded last night.

The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee secretariat reported that 40 villages across three districts are now affected.

All victims are currently being housed at five relief centres across the state.

The worst-hit district is Kota Marudu, where 851 people from 456 families across eight villages have been displaced.

All evacuees there are being sheltered at the SMK Tandek 2 and SMK Tandek relief centres.

In Paitan, 127 people from 37 families across 26 villages have been evacuated.

They are currently housed at the Batagon Darat Community Centre and PCS Purubatu Church Hall.

Meanwhile, in Pitas, 42 people from nine families across six villages have been relocated to the newly opened Dewan Sinukab evacuation centre.

In Sarawak, the number of victims rose slightly to 341 people from 91 families as of 8 am.

They are sheltering at two evacuation centres in Kuching.

According to the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee, the R-Piang Hall is housing 116 people from Kampung Sinar Budi Baru.

The Stapok Community Hall is sheltering 225 people from Kampung Desa Ria.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds for parts of Sarawak.

The warning is in effect for Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei and Mukah until noon today.

 The Sun Malaysia