A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN (People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service) ISSN 1394-5726

Online Publisher:          Contents provided by:	ACTionetwork : In anticipation of La-Nina... It is now the month of October.  This is the time when the Meteorological Office forcasted the arrival of La-Nina, the unusual weather phenomenon that brings with it exceptionally heavy rainfall which causes floods.  It could be severe enough to warrant precautions to be taken to safeguard life and property.  Those residing in low-lying terrain are advised to be extra cautions and prepare well in advance for any emergencies. The State Disaster Management & Relief Committee (SDMRC)         The state government has set up the Disaster Management and Relief Committee (SDMRC) with complementary Operations Centres at Divisional, District and Sub-District levels.         The State Secretary, YB Tan Sri Datuk amar Haji Hamid Bugo has indicated that the sate's experience during the last 'haze' emergency has put in place the ways and means by which  the state can activate its emergency mechanisms.  "We have set up several committees throughout Sarawak manned by personnels who have been instructed to lead teams of people in cases of this nature."  "Directives have also been issued to the local authorities that the drains should be cleared of debris and rubbish which, if left unchecked, will block the path of torrential rainwater resulting in flash floods in the city and towns in the state."  Tan Sri Hamid also assured that the same directive have been issued to river authority in the state to ensure that rivers are free from timber wastes. High tide, heavy downpour and blocked waterways will inevitably leads to raised water level causing floods.         All government departments and agencies have been directed to provide complementary services to the SDMRC whenever required.  Residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas should by now know where their evacuation centres are.  If still in doubt, please contact the nearest District Office. ACTionetwork        This is an informal group of concerned and caring Civil Service volunteers who believe and epitomise the philosophy, principles and practices of the 'New Civil Service.'  As part of its public service project under its Ecowatch programme of activities, ACTionetwork has produced a leaflet in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, on how to prepare for the steps to take in a La-Nina situation.  The leaflet is produced in collaboration with SDMRC and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.         What steps should be taken in the event of a La-Nina happening? Here's some suggestions: Before the floods.  Know your area's flood risk Know your evacuation routes as you may have to move to a place of safety Keep a stock of dried food rations that needs little cooking and no refrigeration Store fresh drinking water in clean containers as supplies may be disrupted Keep First aid supplies and adequate medication especially for the elderly Keep on hand battery-operated radio and some fresh batteries Ensure safe storage of important personal documents like passports, IC, birth certificates, etc. During floods Head for higher grounds and stay away from flood waters Don't attempt to cross fast-flowing streams - strong currents sweep you away fast If driving, do not attempt to drive through flooded roads - use a different route If your car stalls, leave immediately.  Flood waters may rise very fast Be extra cautions at night - danger signs may be easily overlooked Evacuate immediately when instructed and monitor flood warning on the radio After the floods Throw away foods contaminated by flood waters. Boil all drinking water If you are ill, seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity Do not crowd around disaster areas unless you can render assistance Electrical equipment must be serviced by qualified technicians before use Battery-operated flash lights must be used instead of naked flame of lantern
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