KOTA KINABALU, More than 5,000 students across four districts in the state have been affected by a flood disaster, as 10 schools were forced to close today due to inundated paths and school grounds since last night. Sabah Education Department (JPN) director Datuk Raisin Saidin said the floods affected six schools in Penampang, two in Tuaran and one each in Papar and Sipitang. He said the schools are Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sugut, Sekolah Menengah (SM) St Michael, SK St Theresa Inobong, SK Kibabaig, SK St Joseph dan Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Yue Min in Penampang. 'Other schools are SK Kelatuan in Papar and SJKC Sin Boon Sindumin in Sipitang. In Tuaran, the affected schools are SK Kauluan and SJKC Chung Hwa, Tenghilan,' he said when contacted by reporters here today. Raisin said the closure of these schools also affected 307 teachers. He said the district education office (PPD) has also created a group that will help clean the school area together with the district office, Fire and Rescue Depar tment, Public Works Department, Civil Defence Force as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 'The Sabah Education Department extends gratitude to the agencies for their assistance and hopes for continued cooperation,' he said. Source: BERNAMA News Agency