PUTRAJAYA, 15 Nov 2017:
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is focusing on the East Coast in preparation for the second wave of floods, said director-general Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim.
“We are focusing on the East Coast because according to the weather forecast, the second wave of floods is more likely to hit the East Coast states before moving south and then to Sabah and Sarawak.”
Penang was hit by an extraordinary downpour which crippled the island infrastructure system and claimed seven lives on Nov 5.
The Meteorological Department has forecast the second wave would occur until the end of the monsoon transition period – namely the first week of November – while the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry expected it to occur until the end of November due to current uncertain weather condition.
Wan Mohd Nor yesterday said instructions to be on standby had been issued to about 12,000 members of the department, who were ready to be dispatched to any location at any time.
He said the instruction also called for preparation of tools and equipment, revision on flood-related standard operating procedures and all work aspects.
– Bernama