Public awareness on early tsunami warnings is still low, especially among rural folk, according to National Security Council (NSC) disaster management division secretary Ogu Salim Omar.

"We will organise awareness programmes on earthquakes and tsunami at the national and state level to enhance people's understanding, so that they will be better prepared in the event of such disasters."

malaysia tsunami 281206 boat grounded on road He said this at the tsunami practical training session in conjunction with the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS) excercise 'IOWave11' in Kota Kuala Muda, near Sungai Petani today.

He said the division would also implement the programme in schools to educate students on the system.

"If we cannot have it in the curriculum, then at least in the co-curriculum," he said.

On the tsunami practical training session, he said it was important to know what to do while waiting to be rescued.

"The exercise is also to enhance effectiveness of rescue personnel during operations," he added.

Five villages were selected to participate in the training, namely Kampung Tepi Sungai, Kampung Masjid, Kampung Padang Salim, Kampung Keda Tepi Sungai and Kampung Kepala Jalan.

In another development, Ogu Salim said the northern states would very likely experience a major flood this November, similar to last year's.

He said the division together with other government agencies in the NSC were already prepared for the eventuality.

- Bernama