By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Dec 20: Communities living in low-lying areas are urged to be vigilant throughout the landas (monsoon) season.
This includes those living near the rivers and the sea; they must also know the location of the nearest Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS).
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said these people must prepare to evacuate their homes when water levels rise.
“Check your respective area, and obtain the necessary information related to PPS nearest to you. Make sure you get your emergency bag ready containing daily necessities, medicines, dry food, clean water, and important documents in the event of an evacuation,” Khirudin said when contacted.
He added that members of the public can check on the flood disaster guidelines as shared by the Bomba Sarawak Facebook page.
The department had also identified 349 flood-risk locations throughout Sarawak during the Northeast Monsoon season.
There are 54 in Zone 1 (Kuching, Bau and Lundu); 61 in Zone 2 (Kota Samarahan, Siburan, Serian, Simunjan and Asajaya); 23 in Zone 3 (Sri Aman, Betong and Saratok); 90 in Zone 4 (Sibu, Sungai Merah, Sarikei, Bintangor, Kanowit, Mukah, Kapit, Song, Daro, Selangau and Sibu Jaya); 13 in Zone 5 (Bintulu, Samalaju and Tatau); 78 in Zone 6 (Miri, Lopeng, Batu Niah and Marudi); and 30 in Zone 7 (Limbang).
This includes the possibility of landslides at 77 locations in Kuching (7), Samarahan (6), Sri Aman (19), Sibu (32), Bintulu (1), Miri (4), and Limbang (8).
As for possibility of road access being cut off during the monsoon season, Bomba has identified 97 areas namely Kuching (13), Samarahan (7), Sri Aman (16), Sibu (42), Bintulu (7), Miri (2), and Limbang (10).
“We have stepped up our patrol and monitoring in these areas. Several measures were taken, considering Sarawak only has 34 fire stations. Our 1,398 officers and 22,175 auxiliary firefighters are on standby 24-hours.
In terms of logistics, we have prepared 67 four-by-four vehicles, 16 lorries, 37 rescue boats, a helicopter, 18 emergency medical rescue services units and regional forward bases in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri,” Khirudin said.
Meanwhile, members of the public can contact the following fire stations in the event of an emergency. — DayakDaily
