KAPIT, Sept 16: The construction of two more telemetry stations at Nanga Tulie and Nanga Mujong has been proposed to monitor river water levels and serve as an early flood warning system in Kapit Division.
State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas promised to bring the matter up with the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
“In addition, the station in Song would be equipped with a new battery to allow it to operate.
“Currently, Kapit has 11 such stations while statewide, we have 500. They are very important to measure rainfall volume and monitor water levels in our rivers as well as to serve as an early flood warning system,” he said after being briefed by Kapit deputy resident Galing Luang on the flood situation in the division today.
With the telemetry stations, Uggah pointed out that people can be alerted early to the possibility of flood so they can make the necessary preparations to minimise property loss or damage or to move to higher ground and evacuation centres.
The Deputy Chief Minister later visited the 84 victims seeking shelter at the temporary evacuation centre at Kapit Indoor Stadium.
Of the evacuees, 78 are from Rh Philimon in Nanga Bawai and three each from Kampung Muhibah and Kampung Baru.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyambong, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ik Pahon and Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development permanent Secretary Edwin Abit were also present.
On the flood situation, Uggah highlighted that it was improving as flood waters were receding.
He also commended the Divisional Disaster Management Committee for providing efficient service to those affected and in handling the situation.
“I have been told before the victims moved in, the stadium had been sanitised first in view of the Covid-19 pandemic threat. The surroundings too had been sprayed with insecticide to get rid of mosquitoes.
“It is praiseworthy too that infants have been provided with infant formula of their parents’ choice instead of having a single brand,” he elaborated.
Uggah added that the Welfare Department, Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit, Wilson, Tabung Baitumal and others had been quick to respond to the victims’ needs.
“The Fire and Rescue Department, the Medical Police, Rela (People’s Volunteer Corps), Resident’s and District Offices and others too had played their parts.
“This is our standard operating procedure (SOP) and we fully sympathise with the victims. On behalf of the state government I wish to thank all involved,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alexander added that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs office here would also offer foodstuff to the victims. — DayakDaily
