KUCHING: Disaster management committees across Sarawak have been mobilised to prepare for floods during the current monsoon season, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.

       The Deputy Chief Minister said flood response operations would involve eight departments with a total manpower of 6,705 personnel.

       He said community emergency response teams on the ground would also be mobilised to monitor the situation and respond first where necessary.

       "Our assets include 286 boats, 115 lorries, 247 four-wheel drive vehicles, three helicopters and three amphibious vehicles.

       "We have identified 625 temporary evacuation centres with a total capacity of 185,000 people. If we need more centres, we will add them," he told reporters after chairing a state disaster management committee meeting on flood preparations here on Tuesday (Jan 11).

       Uggah said the state had a main storage depot in Kota Samarahan for non-perishable items to be sent to evacuation centres, as well as three mini depots in Kuching, Samarahan and Miri.

       He advised the public to be vigilant, especially those living in flood-prone areas, and to cooperate with the authorities should flooding occur.

       "One of the most important aspects is that when there are instructions to evacuate, they should do so as quickly as possible. Don't wait until the water has risen to the roof before moving.

       "For those in flood-prone areas, make sure also that you keep important documents and valuables safely," he said.

       On flood alerts, Uggah said the Meteorological and Drainage and Irrigation (DID) departments were providing daily reports on the situation.

       "It's difficult to predict when floods will occur, but DID has a telemetry system to monitor the volume of rainfall.

       "We will communicate (the information) so that the public will be warned of impending floods," he said.