By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 22: Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak has reminded the public to be more sensitive and concern with instructions and directives issued by the authorities as the state braces for floods in view of the rainy season.
State Bomba director Khirudin Drahman emphasised that those affected must cooperate and follow instructions to, for instance, evacuate to higher grounds when told to do so when flood hits.
“In the past, there were times when residents refused to come out from their houses when told to evacuate. They would then call for help several days later when flood water gets into the house,” he explained to reporters when met today.
Earlier, he officiated at a fire safety and prevention education programme for a group of children from D’wira Educational Centre at the Bomba headquarters in Jalan Setia Raja here.
On Bomba’s side, Khirudin assured that his men were all set with water assets, equipment, logistics and training to face the year-end monsoon season.
“We have attended two meetings with the State Natural Disaster Management Committee, which was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister (Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas).
“All relevant agencies, including Bomba, will constantly be updated on development on the ground and operations through a chat group,” he revealed.
Hoping to act fast in the event of a bad flood, Khirudin reiterated that all coordination efforts had been done, including identifying evacuation centres together with the Welfare Department as well as ensuring landing locations for Bomba’s helicopters and trucks.
“We are not that worried if the rain falls everywhere, but if the rainfall is concentrated in one place, then there is a possibility of a flood.
“But, no matter what, Bomba operates round-the-clock and residents will be notified of any development. We just ask for the public cooperation because we will do our best to keep them safe,” he assured. — DayakDaily
