KUCHING: Nothing is being left to chance as Sarawak prepares for floods with the onset of the monsoon season.
The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) on Tuesday (Jan 11)revealed an arsenal of measures it has lined up to mitigate the consequences of widespread flooding in light of heavy downpours of late.
A total of 625 temporary evacuation centres (PPS)have been prepared to accommodate up to 185,000 flood victims should the need arise.
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said altogether eight departments would be roped in flood operations involving 6,705 personnel and up to 286 boats, 115 lorries, 247 four-wheel-drive vehicles, three helicopters and three amphibious vehicles.
“As we are all aware, now is the northeast monsoon season and it is expected that we will face heavy rain and the possibility of floods in Sarawak.
“Our machinery has been put on alert since November … we are preparing ourselves for floods,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia Complex, here.
He added that more PPS would be set up if necessary.
“The most important thing is that victims have a place to stay.”
Uggah also assured that people need not worry about their belongings in the event of floods.
“In Sarawak, there is one large storage depot in Kota Samarahan to store non-perishable items such as mattresses and others and we have one mini storage depot each in Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Miri,” he added.
He said the committee and all relevant departments were working closely with the Sarawak Meteorological Office and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation(DID) to monitor weather conditions during the rainy season.
“We receive reports from all the departments so that they are prepared to face whatever may happen on the ground,” he said.
Additionally, Uggah assured that proper Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) including testing were also in place for all evacuation centres.
He reminded the people to stay vigilant and to immediately evacuate should the water level rise.
“Do not wait for the water to rise to the roof level before you move,” he added.
