BETONG: The Betong Civil Defence Force (APM) will focus on flood risk areas such as Debak, Lidong, Layar and Krian in its preparation for the northeast monsoon season.
Its district chief Mackinly Jores said some areas were found to be at high risk of floods and landslides if high tides and heavy rains (at upstream areas) occur simultaneously.
“We will increase our preparedness in areas that are often threatened by floods such as Kampung Bungey, Babu and Lalang.
“Other areas include Lidong, Layar, the road towards Temedak, Lempaong and Spak which are at risk of landslides and headwaters.
“For Saratok area, we will focus on Ulu Krian and Nanga Gerenjang,” he said.
He added APM Betong was in the highest level of readiness in terms of members (two officers and 50 members of other ranks) and logistics (five boats, an ambulance, a four-wheel drive and a five-tonne truck).
“I am optimistic that we are fully prepared mentally, physically and skillfully to face any eventuality during the northeast monsoon which is expected to last until early next year,” he said, adding several virtual courses had been conducted by the training centre for the personnel.
In the meantime, he called on the villagers to immediately contact the Betong district operations control centre at 083-472861 and MERS 999 in the event of any disaster in their areas.
Meanwhile, according to the National Climate Centre of the Meteorological Department, the country will be in a monsoon transition phase starting September 24 and continuing until early November.
Accordingly, the country’s region will receive weak winds from various directions, resulting in thunderstorms that typically bring heavy rains along with strong winds in a short period of time.
It usually occurs in late afternoon and early evening in most areas in the states on the west coast and interior of the Peninsula, west of Sabah as well as west to central Sarawak.
For Sarawak, the state is expected to receive rain at an average level between 250mm to 450mm except in Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong divisions which are expected to receive slightly above average rainfall of between 350mm to 450mm in October.
Meanwhile, in November, most areas in Sarawak are expected to receive rain at an average level between 250mm to 500mm, and between 300mm to 600mm in December.
