KUCHING (Dec 11): The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has activated its disaster preparedness operations through the City-Level Disaster Management Committee to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of flooding.

Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Hilmy Othman said the operations involve continuous monitoring, coordinated emergency response, and mobilisation of assets and logistics.

“We are also working closely with the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and other relevant agencies to ensure that aid operations can be mobilised without delay,” said he told reporters during a press conference.

To strengthen response capability, DBKU will deploy operational vehicles and assets including covered lorries, tipper trucks, boats, high-mast mobile lighting, life jackets, and flood-level markers.

Hilmy highlighted that 56 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) have been established across Pantai Damai, Demak Laut, Tupong, Samariang, and Satok.

“On average, each centre can accommodate around 200 victims. This means we can provide shelter for approximately 12,000 people in total,” he said.

Additionally, DBKU has set up 24-hour Service Centres to monitor and manage issues within its jurisdiction.

“The 24-Hour Service Centre consists of three units; support, patrol, and CCTV which oversees 88 units of CCTV,” he noted.

To date, around 22 flood-prone hotspots have been identified, including Kampung Pulo, Kampung Gita Laut, Jalan Hospital, Jalan Padang Merdeka, and Taman Mawar.

“I urge the public to pay close attention to warnings and notices issued by authorities regarding the current unpredictable weather.

“I also advise everyone to safeguard their belongings, maintain cleanliness, and ensure orderliness should any flooding occur,” said Hilmy.

He also reminded residents to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas during such conditions.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any flood-related issues via DBKU’s hotline on 082-446644 or WhatsApp to 016-8864466.

Also present at the press conference were DBKU director Ramzi Abdillah and deputy director of Infrastructure Services (INS) TS Mohamad Faisal Adenan.