6 episodes of heavy rain expected in Sarawak throughout monsoon season from Nov 11, 2023-March 2024

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas

KUCHING, Nov 14: Six episodes of heavy rain are expected to occur in Sarawak throughout the Northeast Monsoon season from Nov 11, 2023 until March 2024.

In stating this, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak has recorded a total of 154 flood hotspots.

“Apart from flooding on land, continuous and strong northeasterly winds can also cause rough seas, the risk of rising sea levels and large waves in the waters of the South China Sea.

“Therefore, boats that want to go out to sea are advised to check the weather conditions first,” he said in a statement after chairing an SDMC meeting today.

Uggah who is the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) further said that SDMC through its joint response agency comprising the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM) have a combined human resource strength of 5,501.

They would be assisted with logistics strength of 487 land assets, 249 sea/river assets, 12 air assets and 207 support assets.

A total of 70 fiber boats had also been distributed throughout the divisions to assist in the evacuation of flood victims if necessary.

He also mentioned that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) has assured sufficient capacity in all storage depots, office depots and also at the front bases.

A total of 627 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) that can accommodate 162,091 disaster victims have also been prepared for use and can be activated at any time.

Meanwhile, the APM has also prepared 4,000 food kits as additional aid to be distributed to disaster victims.

“On this occasion, I would like to advise the public to always be prepared for this monsoon season and always be aware of the information, advice, forecasts and weather warnings issued by the authorities.

“We all pray that we are kept away from any calamity or disaster during this monsoon period,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily