Bomba ready for possible floods in Sarawak – Khirudin
KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is prepared for possible floods particularly in the western part of Sarawak, says its state director Khirudin Drahman.
He said with the northeast monsoon wind forecast from this month until March next year, places such as Sebuyau, Simunjan, Serian, Samarahan, Siburan and around the coastal areas may experience floods due to high tide.
“For the northern part of the state like Lawas, Limbang, Miri and Baram, these areas are currently experiencing dry weather so the people there need not worry.
“But in the event of floods, Bomba has sufficient assets to be deployed to carry our rescue operations,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
He said the department currently has 1,194 full-time officers and personnel who can be deployed at any time to conduct surveillance and rescue operations as well as provide information in the event of flooding.
In addition, Bomba Sarawak can also call upon the services of 230 auxiliary firefighters, 2,259 volunteer firefighters, 7,453 Bomba Komuniti members, 10,017 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) personnel, and 820 Summer Camp personnel, he added.
“In terms of assets in fire stations in Kuching, Sibu and Miri, we have 16 lorries, 67 fourwheel-drive vehicle, 45 rescue boats and one helicopter on standby.”
Khirudin also said that all rescue operations and evacuation of flood victims will be carried out in accordance with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council, National Disaster Management Agency and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee.
“Each rescue boat will be provided with face masks and hand sanitisers while the number of passengers will be reduced to ensure physical distancing at all times,” he said.