Sarawak’s flood disaster preparation would come to a test come this Nov 16 when a king tide is expected to occur in the state.

State Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah said several low-lying areas could be inundated if heavy rains fell during the king tide, which is expected to continue until Nov 18.

“We are not only preparing for this eventuality but also for the coming wet season which should begin from now until January next year,” she told a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from the Sarawak Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club members at her office in Kuching.

Fatimah said her ministry’s preparation for this year would be more comprehensive after taking into account the experience that they had gone through last year.

She said among the preparations were the relocation of evacuation centres to more strategic places and increasing the number of their forward bases which would take the role of stocking up necessities supply to be distributed to flood victims.

Fatimah said a counselling task force had also been formed to assist victims who had been displaced by the flood disaster.

She said amidst all the preparations, the role of volunteerism was also called upon from all parties to assist them whether financially or in kind for the disaster relief.

“We are calling on everyone or organisations who are able, to come together with us to help those in need,” she added.

- Bernama