Jangmi changes path, misses Sabah's east coast

A tropical storm that was barreling towards northern Sabah, and which was forecast to reach the flood-ravaged east coast on Saturday with 55kph winds, has changed path.

Tropical Storm 'Jangmi', which yesterday packed winds of up to 74kph, has weakened after crossing from the southern Philippines into the Sulu Sea, slowing down to 46kph.

A prediction of the storm's path now shows that it will likely dissipate tomorrow some 300km north-east of Sandakan.

Following observations as of 8am today, the Meteorological Department said that the storm could generate waves up to 4.5 metres over the waters off the waters of Sabah (Sandakan, Kudat, Pantai Barat dan Pedalaman), Labuan and Sarawak (Miri and Bintulu).

It said this would pose a danger to all shipping and coastal activities including fishing and ferry services.

Tropical Storm Jangmi had killed at least 31 people in the Phillipines, after triggering landslides and severe flooding.