By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: Sarawak is gearing up for potential floods, following a forecast by the Malaysia Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) that predicts heavy rainfall from December 2024 to February 2025, with the heaviest downpours expected in January.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, after a meeting held on Tuesday (Oct 8) to assess preparations for the Northeast Monsoon, stated that the monsoon is anticipated to begin in early November 2024 and continue through March 2025.
“During the Northeast Monsoon, continuous rainfall over several days can lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. If heavy rain coincides with high tide, the flooding could worsen,” he said in a press statement today.
Uggah, who is also Deputy Premier, assured the public that SDMC, supported by response agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), has 9,817 personnel on standby to handle any monsoon-related emergencies.
These efforts will be bolstered by a fleet of 295 land assets, 211 sea/river assets, 20 air assets, and 269 support units.
In terms of disaster relief supplies, Uggah revealed that the Social Welfare Department is fully prepared, with sufficient provisions stored at depots, office warehouses, and forward bases to ensure a prompt response.
“A total of 660 temporary evacuation centres (PPS), capable of accommodating 160,719 evacuees, are ready to be activated at a moment’s notice,” he said.
Additionally, 332 river rehabilitation projects are being implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak to improve drainage systems, ensure smooth water flow, reduce flood risks, and enhance river ecosystem health.
“I have instructed all agencies under the Division Disaster Management Committee and District Disaster Management Committee to maintain full readiness in terms of assets and logistics to respond to any potential disasters,” Uggah added.
Furthermore, Division Residents and District Officers have been directed to ensure that flood operation rooms across all divisions and districts can be activated promptly to guarantee a swift and efficient response for the affected communities.
Expressing confidence in the coordinated efforts of various departments and agencies, Uggah said, “I am certain that with everyone working together, disaster management at all levels will proceed smoothly.”
He also urged the public to be prepared for potential evacuations and to safeguard important documents against loss or damage during any disaster events. — DayakDaily
