SELANGOR is ramping up flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon season by actively identifying new hotspots.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said while mitigation projects have been completed at previous flood-prone areas, the authorities must remain vigilant for new hotspots that might emerge due to changing weather patterns.
“The number and locations of hotspots might fluctuate and it is being looked into by state infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim,” Amirudin said.
“Though we have carried out works to reduce flooding risks in certain areas, we are keeping alert for new hotspots,” he said after launching the Selangor disaster management squad in Shah Alam.
The newly mobilised squad comprised over 5,000 personnel, including volunteers from federal and state agencies such as local councils, Fire and Rescue Department, police, Civil Defence Force and National Sports Council.
The squad’s operations will be coordinated by the Selangor disaster management committee and would be on alert throughout the North-East monsoon season that would typically last until February next year.
“It will be mobilised when needed to carry out rescue operations and distribute aid at disaster zones,” Amirudin added.
Selangor has experienced significant flooding incidents in recent months.
Continuous downpours in mid-September forced the opening of two evacuation centres in Hulu Langat and Hulu Bernam.
In June, a flash flood in Taman Bukit Kemuning in Shah Alam affected 180 homes and required the evacuation of 100 residents.
