KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is enhancing the flood forecasting and warning system in preparation for the monsoon season this year.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said SMS messages will be sent to specific agencies to inform flood committees at state level.
“Our warning system will inform residents in flooded areas to evacuate. The DID will contact the related agencies so that the information reach the people,” he told reporters after launching a monsoon preparation programme here yesterday.
A special department had also been set up in every state to identify evacuation areas so that aid could be easily distributed to the victims.
“The measures taken and planning by ministries and agencies are to ensure that the shortcoming in the past can be overcome,” he added.
A total of 453 water level and rainfall stations nationwide are being monitored around the clock, while 440 siren systems have been put in place in flood prone areas.
The DID will also ensure the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) will function at optimum level to reduce the impact of flooding in the city.
Since introduced in 2007, SMART was able to prevent flooding 182 times. — Bernama
