Pain lingers for families a decade after Kinabalu earthquake tragedy

RANAU, Malaysia – Ten years after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mount Kinabalu on June 5, 5, 2015, claiming 18 lives, the families of the victims gathered at Kiau Gap View in Kundasang for a poignant memorial service. The tragedy, which killed four Malaysian mountain guides and seven Singaporean primary school students among others, continues to leave an indelible mark on those left behind, their pain as raw as ever.

A Mother’s Unfading Loss

Remembering Valerian Joannes

Soutim Sumbin, 62, stood solemnly at the memorial, her heart heavy with the loss of her son, mountain guide Valerian Joannes. “The last time I met him was a week before the incident, during our big family gathering,” she recalled, her voice tinged with sorrow. “Losing him still feels like it just happened yesterday. He was healthy and hardworking.”

Valerian, one of 10 children, died doing what he loved—guiding climbers on Malaysia’s highest peak. “That is what made it even more painful,” Soutim said. “Although it has been 10 years, it is certainly something that cannot be forgotten forever.” She expressed gratitude that her son’s memory endures, honored at the 10th Memorial Service held on June 5, 2025.

A Daughter’s Lasting Legacy

Sonia Jhala’s Enduring Influence

Karen Jhala, 58, spoke of her daughter Sonia, one of the young victims, with both grief and pride. “I still miss her terribly. I will never get over it,” she said, standing near the memorial site. “She is still a big part of our lives. We haven’t forgotten her.”

Karen finds solace in memories of Sonia’s playful spirit. “Now, our memories are of the naughty things she used to do, the things that made us laugh, and her character,” she shared. Sonia’s compassion continues to inspire her family, including her siblings, Dillen, 25, and Karishma, 28, who returned from Australia to attend the memorial. “We are stronger and closer now,” Karen said, noting the family’s tightened bond. This was their second memorial visit, having first climbed the mountain in 2016 to honor Sonia.

A Sister’s Final Conversation

Joseph Solungin’s Unfinished Promise

Lina Solungin, 61, a retired nurse, recounted her last phone call with her younger brother, mountain guide Joseph Solungin, the day before the quake. “We talked about a tree I had asked him to find,” she said. “I never expected it would be the last time I got to talk to him.”

On the day of the earthquake, Lina was called to work at Ranau Hospital, unable to reach Joseph despite repeated calls. “I felt uneasy,” she recalled. “I could only be there when his body was sent back home to Bundu Tuhan, after it was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.” Known for his kind and fun-loving nature, Joseph’s loss remains a wound for his family and community.

The Tragedy That Shook a Nation

A Deadly Quake on Malaysia’s Iconic Peak

The 2015 Mount Kinabalu earthquake struck at 7:15 a.m., triggering landslides and rockfalls that killed 18 climbers, including four Malaysian guides and seven Singaporean students from Tanjong Katong Primary School. The disaster, one of Malaysia’s deadliest natural calamities, left a lasting impact on Ranau and the climbing community. The Kiau Gap View memorial, near the mountain’s base, stands as a tribute to those lost, drawing families and survivors each year to reflect and heal.

Finding Strength in Memory

The 10th Memorial Service was a moment of collective mourning and resilience. For families like Soutim’s, Karen’s, and Lina’s, the pain of sudden loss persists, but so does the strength drawn from their loved ones’ legacies. “She inspires us every day and reminds us to be compassionate and kind,” Karen said of Sonia, a sentiment echoed by others who find solace in shared memories.

As the families stood together in Kundasang, Mount Kinabalu loomed in the background—a reminder of both tragedy and enduring bonds. The memorial service, attended by relatives and local officials, underscored a community’s commitment to never forget those lost a decade ago.

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