Heavy rains expected in next five months — Uggah

KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to receive heavier downpours in the next five months following the arrival of the northeast monsoon.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said based on the weather forecast by the Meteorological Department, there will be heavier rainfall from November until March next year.

Uggah, who is also the State Natural Disaster Management Commit tee chairman, said the Sarawak government had strengthened the rescue team with 15,152 people to help in any possibility of floods.

He said the rescue workers comprise personnel from the Armed Forces, Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Police, People’s Volunteer Corps, Welfare Department, and State Health Department.

“We have also got ready five helicopters, five drones, 172 lorries, 549 4x4 vehicles, 283 boats and 109 ambulances.

“These assets are at the committee’s disposal should the wet spell worsen and trigger floods,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

The State Welfare Department was also on standby and ready to activate 610 flood evacuation centres across the state.

In addition, the department would also provide forward supply bases at 16 areas – Kuching (2), Kapit (4), Bintulu (3) and Miri (7), he added.

He said all Resident’s offices, district offices and flood operation centres had been instructed to be ready at all times.