Preparations in place to face ‘worst’ northeast monsoon season, says Uggah

DETAILED preparations are in place to face the northeast monsoon season from Oct 27 until March next year.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said during the period, widespread heavy rain and floods in low-lying areas are expected to occur.

The situation, he said, is expected to be worst with the occurrence of King Tide.

“The federal government, through the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund ( KWABBN), has allocated a sum of RM400,000 to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee as preparation for the monsoon season.

“A total of 15,152 officers and personnel from various enforcement and safety agencies are on standby to offer services,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting yesterday.

He said there will be five helicopters, five drones, 172 lorries, 549 four-wheel- drive vehicles, 283 boats and 109 ambulances available during the period.

A total of 610 evacuation centres that can accommodate 203,960 people will be opened throughout the state if the situation warrants it, he added.

“The Welfare Department has also prepared 16 front bases in Kuching, Kapit, Bintulu and Miri divisions.There are three areas – the Welfare Department headquarters in Kuching, Samarahan and Miri – prepared as stores and depots.

“All Resident’s offices are prepared and the flood operation room in all divisions will be activated anytime when needed.”

To ensure more proper and efficient flood management, Uggah said the State Security and Enforcement Unit had organised a disaster management system usage course on Oct 5 at the Sarawak Internet Centre in Samarahan, attended by representatives from all districts in the state.

“All district officers, as chairmen of their respective district disaster management committee, are required to key in disaster data into the system to make sure real-time flood information can be obtained at anytime, and immediate assistance can be delivered to the victims more effectively.

“The level of preparations must be taken seriously by all parties, including the police, Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department, armed forces, Rela and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

“Asset-handling logistics during disaster is very critical, whereby it requires efficient coordination so that all assets can be fully maximised,” he said.