FLOOD , Are We Prepared?

FLOOD , Are We Prepared?

Malaysia is prone to annual flooding while experiencing a major flooding event at least once every five years where multiple states are affected. Towards the end of the year, northeast monsoons cause massive heavy downpours of rain, particularly in the eastern states. Such is the frequency of floods that traditional stilt houses are often constructed along coastlines and rivers.

10.1% of the country's total area with 5.67 millions people living in flood prone areas.

Due to its relative regularity, flood mitigation, forecasting and warning system efforts have been undertaken by various agencies to minimise impacts brought forth by floods. Such an event scrutinises Malaysia’s ability to respond to floods in the area of readiness, relief, and rebuilding.

Causes :

1. Natural
2. Man-made

1. Natural:

• Heavier than usual downpours of monsoon rains 
• The perigean spring tide (caused by the proximity of the moon to Earth) 
• La Nina Effect 

2. Man-made:

• Poor drainage and/or clogging due to foreign debris 
• Lack of adequate infrastructure to moderate the flow of water 
• Settlement on floodplains 
• Urbanisation 
• Uncontrolled logging and lack of land management 
• Accumulation of sand along rivers and/or at water mouth due to agricultural or construction

Malaysia Flood Refief Management Mechanism

Preparedness and Response

CRISIS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE CENTRE (CPRC), MINISTRY OF HEALTH (MOH) established under the 9th Malaysia Plan (2005-2010) to coordinate preparation of the national disaster , including flood disaster.

1. Pre Flood Preparedness:

• Operational room identification & maintenance of equipments at CPRC 
• Planning of on call rosters and information gathering on respective players 
• Evaluation of suitability of relief centres 
• Preparedness of healthcare facilities in terms of logistics, man power and medicines 
• Dissemination of health advisory to the general public 
• Dissemination of information on MOH’s preparedness to NSC (National Security Council) 

2. During Floods Response : 

• Activation of Operational Room 
• Liase with NSC according to Order 20 (NSC) 
• Ensuring of alternative logistics for medical facility is available and functioning in the event the facility is faced with floods 
• Ensuring all the preparedness plans are in placed and functioning 
• Monitoring of evacuees at relief centres – communicable and non-communicable diseases, food and water borne diseases 
• Coordinate the movements of medical staff to affected areas if the need arises 
• Placement of medical teams at relief centres 
• Ensuring clean water, clean toilets, hygienic food preparation, health education at relief centres 
• Daily preparation of flood report.

3. Post Floods Response : 

• Conduct post flood impact assessment on the affected area / village 
• Health monitoring of the public/victims 
• Preventive measures to prevent infectious diseases 
• Final report preparation 

Shortcomings : 

However , the recent flood situation revealed several shortcomings with the present flood relief management mechanism:

1. Lack of Focus
2. Lack of Coordination
3. Inadequate Standard Operation Procedures
4. Dissemination of Information
5. Ineffective Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems (FFWS) and delayed evacuation response 
6. Politicisation of Relief Efforts
7. Lack of Post-Recovery Plans and Infrastructure 

Shortcomings With The Present Flood Relief Management Mechanism:

We cannot stop natural disasters but we can be prepared to deal with it.

Source :www.cpps.org.my