KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has intensified readiness measures to face the Northeast Monsoon, mobilising all agencies and resources in an integrated effort to prevent major flooding.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said all Disaster Management Committees at the Division and District levels have been instructed to be fully prepared in terms of manpower, machinery and equipment.
“Sarawak usually faces flooding from January to March each year. However, this year, conditions are slightly better as rainfall has decreased and has not caused major floods.
“Nevertheless, the state government has issued directives to all disaster management offices under the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) at both division and district levels to remain on alert, including all government departments involved in the committee,” he said.
He said this during a visit to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Dewan Masjid Darul Istiqlaal, Sungai Maong, today (Feb 22).
He also informed that technical departments such as the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) have been instructed to closely monitor high-risk areas, including locations prone to landslides and road collapses.
“We are asking all parties to continue paying close attention and to take immediate action so that if a road is cut off, it can be repaired and made usable again as soon as possible.
“This situation occurs every rainy season in several areas, so we want to ensure all agencies remain on standby with their respective manpower, machinery and equipment,” he said.
According to him, unpredictable weather conditions during the monsoon season require all agencies to remain vigilant, while assistance to victims will be strengthened to help ease their burden.
Uggah also urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain prepared, comply with instructions from authorities and evacuate immediately if directed, for the safety of themselves and their families.
He added that a committee led by the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) continues to monitor the current situation, while Community Emergency Response Teams in villages have been urged to hold meetings and stay on alert.
“This is because there are villages located far from town, where our machinery may take up to a day to arrive,” he said.
For the record, the PPS at Masjid Darul Istiqlaal is currently sheltering 65 evacuees from 18 families affected by flooding following continuous heavy rain on 20 February 20.
