Penang, Kelantan deploy extra personnel for monsoon season
GEORGE TOWN: More than 1,000 Penang Civil Defence Department (APM) personnel are ready to face flash floods this month due to the monsoon season.
Its director, Pang Ah Lek, said the department had 50,000 extra officers, who would work in shifts and be on standby for floods.
“The department has also identified relief centres in floodprone areas and means of channeling food to victims at the centres.
“APM is working with the Meteorological Department to stay updated on weather conditions, and with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to monitor sea tide levels.
“We are ready in terms of personnel and logistics. We are ready to be deployed when needed.”
More than 100 areas in the state were inundated during heavy
rains on Sept 15.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said another massive flood might occur this month due to the monsoon season.
Pang said his department would work proactively in dealing with flash floods.
“For example, during the massive
floods last month, our officers were in Jalan P. Ramlee with boats even before the river broke its banks.”
He said the department would liaise with the local government and DID to identify flood-prone areas, but added that it would be a tricky task.
He said this was due to the fact that new areas were inundated during the downpour last month.
“We have a list of hot spots in the state, but will continue to work with other authorities to assist flood victims.”
The department had launched the Civil Defence Emergency Response Team Better Nation unit last year, under which the department provided training to locals in the event of natural disasters.
Pang said locals, mostly those from flood-prone areas, were trained and, in case of emergencies, would be the first to act until his officers arrived at the scene.
He said having residents act first would be better as they would not have to be fully dependent on the department.
“These residents would know what to do when a flood happens: alert other residents and guide them to the relief centre until our officers arrive at the scene.”
In Kota Baru, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Faudzi Che Mamat said the state was ready to face the monsoon season by deploying some 8,000 personnel from several agencies.
He said the state was also making other preparations, such as collecting food and others necessities.
“Beginning tomorrow (today), food supplies will be sent to the 216 front bases in all districts in Kelantan.
“The state government is on standby in case of floods hitting Kelantan.”
Faudzi said 163 flood relief centres, which could accommodate more than 20,000 victims, had been provided.
He said the state government would work with relevant agencies in facing the monsoon season.