KUANTAN: All district police chiefs in Pahang have been instructed to heighten their preparedness to evacuate victims in case of floods during the current northeast monsoon season.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said continuous heavy rainfall was expected this month, prompting the department to be on standby to mobilise its personnel.
"I have instructed all the 11 district police chiefs in Pahang to conduct regular patrols to check the situation on the ground so that we are prepared for any eventuality. Those affected will be evacuated to the nearest temporary relief centre in case of floods.
"We want to evacuate the victims quickly and avoid any untoward incidents. A total of 858 flood shelters, which can accommodate more than 160,000 people, have been identified in Pahang," he told reporters after attending the Pahang police monthly gathering at the police contingent headquarters here today.
Yahaya said today that Jerantut, Raub, and Lipis were affected by floods, with Raub being the worst-hit district after several low-lying villages were inundated on Dec 1. As of 11am today (Dec 3), 1,849 people from 590 families are seeking refuge in 22 relief centres.
According to the Welfare Department's Disaster Info portal, Raub recorded 1,823 evacuees from 584 families, which is a slight increase compared with 1,644 people yesterday. The flood victims in Lipis and Jerantut remain unchanged with 13 evacuees.