(Source: JBPM Kuala Terengganu)
KUALA TERENGGANU— Annually the residents and authorities of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia braces for heavy rainfall and flash flood as the North-East Monsoon season begins in the month of November.
Being faced with the challenge of being displaced and having their property destroyed by flood waters have become the norm for the residents residing in the East Coast.
According to Terengganu Meteorological Department Director Rosli Zakaria, it is hard to predict the weather in two months onward as there is no such advanced technology in the world that can do that.
“It is best for the residents to take early precautions about flood before the flood season comes”, said Rosli.
Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department Chief, Rozizah Abni Hajar said the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) are always prepared for the rescue mission when it comes to this season.
“We are always alert and prepared around the clock because usually the water level will rise and exceed the alert threshold at night when the residents least expect.
Some of the people resist being evacuated from their houses early on due to their concerns on their personal properties and have become a headache to us”, said Rozizah.
The Fire and Rescue Department also underwent several training scenarios such as surface water rescue, throw bag rescue, handling rescue boats and many more in order to be prepared physically and mentally for the grueling task of flood rescue missions.
According to Rozizah Abni Hajar, people should remain vigilant about floods in their areas even though they feel safe because living in the area that has low risk of flooding, does not mean that they are safe from being inundated by rising waters.
There are high chances their areas will be flooded if there is continuous rainfall.
Therefore, the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department has made an instruction for the people to know what they must prepare for when their areas are at risk to be flooded.
Before a flood:
- Put all the important documents in a waterproof folder and place it in a high place and easy for you to reach when you need to evacuate.
- Listen to the radio, television or from your smartphone to get the information about floods in your area.
- Make sure where the nearest relief centers are from your home.
- Prepare an emergency kit.
- Make sure all the family members know what to do when there are emergency cases in the house.
During a flood:
When your area started to show that there is a high chance of being flood, you should:
- Move the furniture and other essential items to the safe place.
- Bring all the important documents that have been packed during the evacuation process.
- Turn off all the switches in your house and make sure not to touch any electrical equipment if your hands are wet or if it’s in the water.
- Make sure to inform your neighbor about your evacuation.
Source: MANIS FM NEWS DEPARTMENT
