Helping hands are here
Nadma moves quickly to ensure timely help and evacuations
The flood situation in Kelantan and Terengganu has worsened, but relief efforts have also been swift – thanks to well-oiled coordination. The National Disaster Management Agency is already on the ground to make sure the necessary aid is there for victims who need it. The Army, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force and Royal Malaysia Police are among the agencies that have also linked arms to reassure displaced citizens that they are not alone in this ordeal.
PETALING JAYA: Help is moving in fast to flooded areas in Kelantan and Terengganu, with National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) teams on the ground coordinating relief efforts, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Nadma was mobilised immediately after an early warning was issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on the possibility of floods.
“MetMalaysia issued the early warning for areas where floods were expected to occur,” he said.
“Nadma teams were deployed to these areas and coordinated with all the relevant agencies in preparing the appropriate aid,” he said in Parliament yesterday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid added that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim is in the floodhit areas monitoring evacuation efforts.
The Government has also allocated a total of RM10mil to Nadma to maintain facilities at flood relief centres, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said in Parliament.
He added that community leaders should report to Nadma if relief centres need aid to improve or maintain their facilities.
“Facilities such as toilets are a priority. Nadma is doing the main tenance and construction of toilets and additional bathrooms at flood relief centres.
“A Nadma Emergency Support Team has been checking facilities at relief centres nationwide for the past two weeks,” he said.
The Social Welfare Department has registered 5,433 relief centres, which can accommodate up to two million flood victims nationwide.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel from nearby states are also on standby for flood relief efforts in Kelantan and Terengganu, its directorgeneral Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said.
He added that his men have been told to brace for the floods, which are expected to worsen in both states.
“We expect the number of victims displaced by the floods to rise,” he said.
Wan Mohd Nor added that the department has boats and helicopters at the affected areas, to be used for evacuation and to monitor the situation.
“We will bring in more personnel from other states, including Negri Sembilan and Selangor, if the need arises.
“We are working with the police, Civil Defence Force and Welfare Department in flood relief efforts,” he said.
Wan Mohd Nor added that 522 firemen are on duty in the affected states with a total of 37 fourwheeldrive vehicles, 18 lorries and 53 boats.
MetMalaysia released a statement saying that the east winds from the Pacific Ocean will likely be concentrated on the east coast and north of Peninsular Malaysia.
Warnings have been issued for areas that are predicted to have dangerous rainfall levels, namely Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru, Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Tanah Merah, Jeli and Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
In Terengganu, Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Hulu Terengganu are predicted to have rainfall levels classified as dangerous.
“Most likely, rainfall levels are forecast to be at the danger level only up till today,” said MetMalaysia directorgeneral Alui Bahari.
However, he stressed that this was a forecast and information would be updated today based on the latest weather data.
In Kota Baru, it was reported that 500 soldiers from the 8th Infantry Brigade have been assigned to the flood aid mission in the affected states.
Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharuddin said six more special teams, consisting of 2,000 members, were preparing to be assigned to areas that require help.
“We have also prepared 16 vessels, 30 threetonne vehicles and other equipment.
“We are ready to help the people and agencies involved in this flood rescue operation,” he said after attending the Pingat Jasa Malaysia award ceremony held for 159 Armed Forces veterans yesterday.
Mohd Johari added that basic necessities, including medical supplies, had been prepared, as well as support teams such as paramedics and cooks.
Also in attendance were Veterans’ Affairs Department directorgeneral Datuk Mohamad Khir Abdullah and 8th Infantry Brigade Commander Major General Datuk Mohd Ramli Jaafar.
Nadma teams were deployed to these areas and coordinated with all the relevant agencies in preparing the appropriate aid. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi