Floods: Perak Activates JPBN, Deploys Assets To Affected Areas

IPOH, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has activated the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) following worsening flood conditions in the Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS) and Manjung districts.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said all state security departments and agencies have been mobilised to the affected areas to expedite evacuation and rescue operations, with the safety of residents being the foremost priority. 

“So far, a total of 74 assets and vehicles from various agencies have been deployed to the affected areas, comprising 16 rescue boats, 25 lorries of various sizes and eight ambulances.

“Twelve four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles, along with 13 tents (C-tents) and various safety equipment such as life jackets and portable floodlights, have also been mobilised,” he said in a statement today.

He said additional vehicles have been dispatched to all high-risk locations to ensure rescue operations can be carried out promptly, systematically and comprehensively.

Saarani added that neighbouring district offices such as in Kerian, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta and Hulu Perak have also been mobilised to assist in providing assets and logistical support, including at relief centres (PPS).

He said the state government has advised residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and comply with instructions from the authorities, and to avoid activities near rivers, canals or overflow channels during this period of continuous rain.

“The JPBN, together with all relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to the victims.

“Additional logistical assets have been stationed at strategic locations, while the delivery of essential supplies is being carried out in stages to ensure every PPS receives adequate and timely assistance,” he said.

As of 8 am today, a total of 2,171 people from 759 families have been evacuated to 22 PPS in the Larut, Matang and Selama and Manjung districts, after heavy rain since yesterday morning caused several areas in these districts to be inundated.

Among the affected areas in LMS are Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Salak Baru, Kampung Sungai Lubok, Kampung Masjid, Taman Kota Wira, Taman Kemunting Tiara, Taman Lara Aman, Taman Lara Damai, Kampung Changkat Larah, Taman Kaya and Taman Damai.

In Manjung, the affected areas include Kampung Nelayan, Kampung Sungai Batu, Taman Pantai Wang, Kampung Lorong Masjid, Taman Anggerik and Kampung Pulau Kabung.

-- BERNAMA