KAPIT: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will discuss with the state Drainage and Irrigation Department on the need to install two more telemetry stations for Kapit Division.
Its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the new stations would be at Nanga Tulie and Nanga Mujong.
He said this after a briefing on the flood situation by Kapit deputy Resident Galing Luang during a visit here on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Uggah, who is Deputy Chief Minister, later visited the 84 victims at the temporary evacuation centre at Kapit Indoor Stadium.
The victims comprised 78 residents of Rh Philimon in Nanga Bawai and three residents each from Kampung Muhibah and Kampung Baru.
Joining him were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ik Pahon and the Ministry of Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development permanent secretary Edwin Abit.
Uggah said the station in Song would be equipped with a new battery to allow it to operate, adding that Kapit currently has 11 of such stations.
“Statewide, we have 500. They are very important to measure rainfall volume and monitor water level in our rivers.
“They serve as early flood warning system. If the people can be alerted early to the possibility of floods, they can make the necessary preparations to minimise property loss or damage or to move to higher ground and evacuation centres,” he added.
On the flood situation, he said it was improving with flood waters receding.
He commended the divisional disaster management committee for providing excellent service to those affected and in handling the overall situation.
“I have been told before the victims moved in, the stadium had been sanitised first in view of the Covid-19 pandemic threat.
“The surrounding area too had been sprayed with insecticide to get rid of mosquitos,” he revealed.
He added it was praiseworthy too that infants had been provided with the infant formula of their parents’ choice instead of having a single brand.
“The Welfare Department, Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit, Wilson Nyambong, the Tabung Baitumal and others had been quick to respond to the victims’ needs.
“The Fire and Rescue Department, the Medical Police, Rela, Resident’s and the District Office and others too had played their parts.
“This is our SOP and we fully sympathise with the victims. On behalf of the state government I wish to thank all those involved.”
Alexander, meanwhile, said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs office here would also offer foodstuff to the victims.
