State prepares for the worst case scenario

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KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government has identified 197 areas statewide as flood prone as torrential rains is expected for the most of this month.

State Disaster Management committee chairman Datuk Mazlan Ngah said among the hotspot districts were Kemaman with 42 locations, followed by Dungun with 32.

“We have made initial preparations by supplying our disaster frontline bases with food and supply rations.

Getting ready: National Security Council officials visiting one of food relief centers and front line basses set up at Ladang Fikri, Belara.

“We are also prepared logistically with emergency personnel from agencies such as the Civil Defence department and Fire and Rescue department,” he said when contacted recently. He added information from the Meteorological department revealed that heavy rains was expected for the most of Nov and December, and he has ordered all relevant personnel to be ready for floods.

Mazlan, who is also state secretary, urged the people to get the latest flood updates by contacting the 24-hour flood operations room.

“The best way to keep oneself up to date is by contacting the operations room,” he said.

The state Security Council’s flood operations room can be reached at 09-6222231 and 09-6316021 while the state police operations room can be reached at 09-6270499 or 09-6354741.

Enquiries can also be made through the state government’s portal at http://etindakan.terengganu.gov.my.

Meanwhile, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said expressed his satisfaction over the preparations made for the floods.

“We have 347 relief centres statewide, which will be able to accommodate more than 51,000 victims.

“At the same time, the state Welfare department has already equipped 112 frontline bases with food and blankets,” he said.

He also advised flood victims to follow the instructions of emergency personnel and not wait until the last minute to evacuate their homes.

“The people’s safety is our priority.

“We have sufficient boats as well as emergency trucks but if need be, we are also equipped with a helicopter for emergency evacuations,” he said.

A check by The Star revealed that officials from the state security council have already begun making their rounds to check supplies at several frontline bases and evacuation centre venues.