GUA MUSANG, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Coloured flares will be used as a distress signal to request assistance if flood victims are stranded and unable to communicate with outside parties during floods.
Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) chairman Nik Raisnan Daud said this proactive measure is in place for residents who are stranded on hills for more than a week without receiving any initial assistance.
He said aerial assistance would be sought to locate victims, during which the flares would be used as signals.
“Two colours will be used - yellow and red. Yellow smoke indicates that the flood victims have run out of food supplies, while red smoke signals that fatalities have occurred at the evacuation site.
“The National Disaster Management Agency has also been informed of landing sites and hills designated as safe shelters,” he told reporters at Anjung Marina, Gua Musang District and Land Office, here today.
According to Nik Raisnan, preliminary briefings have been provided to village heads and community leaders regarding the use of flares and other forms of assistance during emergencies.
“We will attempt to deliver aid by land first before resorting to air routes, as helicopter operations depend on weather conditions.
“At the state level, we have been informed about all landing points. Based on the 2014 disaster, most of the landing sites were submerged, so we have to identify three alternative landing points,” he said.
Nik Raisnan said essential flood preparedness equipment such as tents, stoves, shovels, flashlights, pots and candles has been made available for use in the event of sudden water level surges.
“Basic food supplies have also been allocated for residents who may need to move to higher grounds and we have ensured that the provisions are enough for a week,” he added.
Earlier, the Gua Musang District chief stated that 13 hilly areas around Gua Musang have been designated as evacuation sites for flood victims during the Northeast Monsoon if the temporary relief centres are submerged.
-- BERNAMA
