Monsoon floods: Beef up preparations at division, district level - Uggah

KUCHING: All division and district disaster management committees in Sarawak must beef up preparations for possible flood incidences with the coming Northeast Monsoon season, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah who is also State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said these include ensuring there is sufficient stock of food supplies and other essential items at collection centres.

He said other aspects such as facilities and manpower must be ready as well.

"We want all these departments to be on full alert," he said in a statement after attending a briefing on the flood situation in the state here today.

Uggah said he had also directed the Public Works Department (JKR) to pay special attention to dilapidated roads that had been or would be cut off because of flooding.

"These roads... they will be riddled with potholes and will be dangerous to all users. I have directed the JKR to be on standby, ready to repair or rebuild them so that the people will be minimally impacted," he added.

Meanwhile, Uggah said those living close to rivers should also take all the necessary precautions.

"Please listen to directions from our officers monitoring on the ground. Do not hesitate to move to evacuation centres or higher ground if you are advised to do so. This is in the interest of your and your family's safety," he added.

-- BERNAMA