DEBAK: Residents in flood-prone areas here have been urged to proactively prepare for potential floods by moving valuables to safer ground.
Betong District Civil Defence Officer Captain Siti Huzaimah Ibrahim said the residents must stay vigilant about rising water levels and weather forecasts.
“Floods are a recurring issue in Debak, particularly when heavy rainfall upstream coincides with high tides,” she said.
While the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is always ready to assist in moving belongings during floods, Siti Huzaimah stressed that residents should also play their part.
“By proactively moving valuables, residents can significantly minimise the impact of floods.”
During the recent floods, Kampung Babu, Bungey, and Lalang were affected for two days.
“The water rose on Friday morning and subsided completely by Saturday evening,” she said.
“A total of 26 houses were affected, with Kampung Bungey experiencing the most severe impact at 70 per cent. Kampung Babu and Lalang, situated on higher ground, were less affected, with approximately 40 per cent of the areas experiencing flooding.”
Siti Huzaimah attributed the slow receding of floodwaters to an incomplete flood mitigation project at the edge of Kampung Lalang.
Residents are also reminded to prioritise their safety and the safety of their families.
“Heed evacuation orders from rescue teams immediately if the situation becomes unsafe,” she added.
“Prevent children from playing in contaminated floodwaters to avoid illnesses and accidents.”
