Tuesday October 16, 2012

Fatimah: Ministry working with depts to prepare for floods

KUCHING: Relief preparations for floods are being carried out at the state, divisional and district levels as the landas season sets in.

Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said as far as her ministry was concerned, meetings on the preparations had been held last month.

She said her ministry was responsible for providing and distributing food and drinks to flood victims.

“We have started to identify local suppliers and food storage and distribution centres so that food and drinks can be distributed to flood victims immediately.

“These are determined based on cases of floods last year and the year before,” she said here yesterday.

Fatimah said her ministry would be working with agencies like the state Fire and Rescue Services Department, Civil Defence Department and Meteorological Services Department at the state, divisional and district levels under one flood relief committee.

She said early and careful preparations were crucial to ensure flood victims receive the necessary aid.

However, she said, sometimes unpredictable weather could disrupt these preparations.

“Last year we expected Sibu to get hit by floods. But instead it was Samarahan that was hit twice.

“With the latest technology, I’ll be getting updates everyday from the committee. I believe we can move to help victims faster this time around,” she said.

News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Fatimah: Ministry working with depts to prepare for floods