A large fire in Sabah’s Sandakan district on the island of Borneo has destroyed approximately 1,000 homes and displaced more than 9,000 residents, local authorities reported. The blaze began early Sunday morning and quickly spread across a coastal settlement, driven by strong winds and the densely packed arrangement of the structures.

Firefighters faced significant challenges containing the fire due to the area's tidal conditions, which complicated efforts to access and extinguish the flames. The state’s fire and rescue department indicated that these environmental factors compounded the difficulty of controlling the spread.

Officials have not yet provided details on the cause of the fire or reported any casualties. Efforts are ongoing to provide emergency assistance and temporary shelter for those affected by the displacement. Local authorities are coordinating relief efforts to address the urgent needs of the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes.