BAGAN DATUK: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is on alert for the possibility of a second wave of floods, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

The Deputy Prime Minister said preparations have been enhanced following the extraordinary weather phenomenon, including the occurrence of the tropical storm Senyar in the Strait of Malacca, causing previously unaffected areas to be flooded.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said additional assistance has been arranged and in place so that aid can be disbursed to those affected quickly.

“According to the regulation, three days after the temporary relief centre is closed, compassionate aid is given.

“My instruction is that there is nothing wrong with giving it out when the flood victims are still at the centre.

“I have instructed that, starting today, aid must be provided as the victims urgently need money to buy new household appliances to replace those damaged by floods.

“I know that it is insufficient but the government’s concern is to help them,” he told reporters after attending a briefing on the flood situation here yesterday, Bernama reported.

The Bagan Datuk MP also said they are prepared for the possibility of a second or third wave of floods.

“Nadma held the preparedness (run) in Jerantut last month. We have also coordinated it at the national, state and district levels.”

On his visit to several relief centres, Ahmad Zahid said water could not be distributed to the areas where the centres are located due to a burst pipe.

He has requested the Perak Water Board to send water tankers to affected areas to fill the tanks at the centres so that evacuees have access to water.

Ahmad Zahid thanked all parties involved in helping to resolve flood problems nationwide.

Earlier, he visited the Dewan Umno relief centre before attending the briefing.

Ahmad Zahid then visited the district office hall and Tanah Bagan Datuk relief centres, and surveyed his residence in Kampung Sungai Nipah Darat as well as the Bagan Datuk Youth and Sports Ministry hall relief centre.