Nadma is doing well in managing disaster - DPM

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is doing well in managing the situation in flood-hit states across the country despite being in the first year of its establishment.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said so far, Nadma had successfully managed the flood situation in a more proper manner, thanks to the cooperation from the flood secretariats set up at all levels.

"Various flood simulations and tests we carried out before had also helped us in our preparations to tackle all the anticipated problems at the earliest stage possible," he told reporters Sunday.

Ahmad Zahid said Nadma would also enhance its level of full preparedness and expedite the distribution of aid to flood victims following the monsoon transition this year.

"Besides, Nadma would also use the Kemaman Preparedness template launched last October in conjunction with the launch of National Preparedness Month as it was proven helpful in the management of flood in the district before," he said.

The deputy prime minister said Nadma would also coordinate and work closely with the relevant agencies to ascertain early assistance and aid to be given to flood victims.

He said the move would ensure that all victims could be rescued as soon as possible before the floodwater could claim any lives and cause damage to public properties.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid visited the flood relief centre at Kampung Bukit Tadok in Hulu Terengganu.

Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman, Nadma director-general Nadma Datuk Zaitun Abd Samad and Telemong assemblyman Datuk Rozi Mamat.

A total of 152 flood evacuees from 53 families are taking shelter at the centre since Saturday.

Ahmad Zahid's visit clearly brought smiles to the faces of the evacuees who had been worried about their current situation.

Esah Osman, 61, for one, was very excited to get the chance to get up close and personal with the deputy prime minister.

"I'm so excited to meet and to have a chat with the deputy prime minister and the menteri besar...today they showed me that they really cared and they came all the way to visit us here.

"Although we have to stay here for a while, but I'm grateful that the relief centre is quite comfortable," she said.

Another evacuee, Saadiah Yunoh, 78, also shared her excitement for having the opportunity to meet with Ahmad Zahid.

"I used to watch him on tv, but today I got to meet him in person. He is quite friendly actually," she said, smiling.

Saadiah said her village is one of the flood-prone areas in the district and almost every year she would be evacuated to the relief centre.

"But Alhamdulillah, everything is complete and comfortable here. They also provide senior citizens like me mattress and tent for our conveniences," she added. - Bernama