KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is ready to face floods during the northeast monsoon that is expected to bring heavy rain from November to March.
Its chairman, Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, said several days of heavy rain could cause floods in low-lying residential areas.
"If heavy rain coincides with high tide, the flooding will be worse," said Uggah, who is also deputy premier.
He said the SDMC held a meeting yesterday to discuss preparations for the northeast monsoon.
He said the Meteorological Department forecasted heavy rain in Sarawak from December to February, with the peak expected in January.
He said 9,817 personnel from the SDMC, police, Fire and Rescue Department, armed forces and other agencies would be on standby.
He said 295 vehicles, 211 boats, 20 helicopters and 269 support assets were ready to be deployed.
"The Welfare Department has prepared disaster relief supplies to ensure there are enough essential items at storage depots, office depots and forward bases."
Uggah said 660 temporary flood relief centres that can accommodate 160,719 evacuees were ready.
He said the state Drainage and Irrigation Department had been tasked with implementing 332 river conservation projects, including repairing and clearing drains to ensure smooth flow of monsoon water to reduce flood risk.
"As SDMC chairman, I have instructed all division and district disaster management committees to prepare assets and logistics to face all possible disasters.
"Division and district officers must be ready to activate flood operation rooms to ensure efficient and effective response to flood victims."
Uggah said he was confident the flood response would be smooth.
He urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to make preparations to evacuate and to keep important documents in safe places.