A SQUAD to help with post-flood recovery efforts has been formed by Ipoh City Council.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the Madani Ihsan Squad was the first to be set up by a local authority in Perak and its services were not only for the city but also nearby districts.

“Among its duties are providing food, shelter and also psychosocial support to victims who are traumatised by disaster,” he said in a press conference after the launch of the squad at the city council building.

The squad, he said, would also help with clean-up work and the relocation of victims.

“It is our commitment to foster the spirit of volunteerism, solidarity and empathy in providing the best services to the people, especially disaster victims.”

The squad would also be a platform to get closer to the community, he added, and facilitate the distribution of aid to victims.

With the squad, Rumaizi said assistance could be provided to victims swiftly, bypassing red tape.

“The squad is expected to provide a quick response, compared to the district disaster committee.

“From previous flood experience, there are some problems that require immediate attention,” he said.

He added that the squad had boats and buses at its disposal.

“The members of the squad comprise some permanent and auxiliary members from other departments and volunteers from non-governmental organisations and private companies.”