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KUALA LUMPUR – The country’s disaster management is currently entering its initial post-disaster recovery phase, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
Nadma said that all state and district disaster management committees were asked to collect data on the damage and losses suffered by the sectors involved, while the Disaster Operations Control Centre will coordinate the need to pump out water in flooded areas.
According to the agency, the Local Government Development Ministry will implement flood waste clean-up operations and coordinate the work for states that have not adopted the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007.
“KPKT will carry out repairs of public infrastructure such as roads and public markets through local authorities.
As for the repair and construction of new houses, the Disaster Operations Control Centre must immediately submit a list of victims’ names to the Economic Planning Unit for further action,” said Nadma.
Meanwhile, Nadma added that the overall flood situation in the Peninsula has improved and until 4pm today, there was a significant drop in the number of flood victims at temporary relief centres, with 41,539 victims in 194 centres compared to 58,054 victims in 316 centres, yesterday.
The number of relief centres in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor showed a drop as well but the number of evacuees in large-capacity centres in Pasir Mas district, Kelantan is still consistent.
However, according to Nadma, based on the daily thunderstorm warning issued by the Meteorological Department, there is a risk of flash floods in low-lying areas.
“High-impact weather is predicted to occur in Sabah starting tomorrow, potentially bringing heavy rain and the risk of floods and other rainstorm disasters in the state’s districts. Therefore, the preparedness of all parties needs to be upgraded,” the statement said.
Based on its weather forecast this afternoon, the Meteorological Department expects the ongoing monsoon to continue until December 27 and bring strong winds, large waves and continuous rain to Sabah and Sarawak as well as the South China Sea.
“That situation can increase the intensity of rain in the area. The Disaster Operations Control Centre in Sabah and Sarawak are asked to be ready to face any possibility of flooding,” according to the statement.
Nadma added that according to data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department until 4pm today, the current level of river water on the peninsular east coast showed a downward trend compared to yesterday with only four stations at the danger level and three at the warning level.
Rivers at the danger level are Sg Golok in Kuala Jambu, Tumpat and in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Kelantan; as well as the Sg Kemaman at Paya Paman Pump House, Kemaman and Sg Nerus in Kg Jeram, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.
The ones at the warning level involve Sg Pahang in Lubok Paku, Maran and Paloh Inai, Pekan, as well as Sg Keratong in Jalan Kota Bahagia, Rompin both in Pahang.
Meanwhile, in Sarawak three rivers have reached the warning level namely Sg Similajau in Bintulu; Sg Punan Bah B, Kapit and Sg Kaki Wong, Betong, while Sg Kuala Balingian in Mukah is at the danger level. – Bernama, December 23, 2022