Floods: Helicopters, rescue boats deployed to Johor, Pahang, says Fire and Rescue Department

JOHOR BARU: The Fire and Rescue Department has dispatched helicopters and additional rescue boats to assist in flood operations in Johor and Pahang.

Deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Edwin Galan Teruki said additional firemen from neighbouring states have also been deployed to the worst-hit districts of Segamat and Kota Tinggi.

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"We have deployed our helicopters to Johor and Pahang which are the worst hit states so far.

Datuk Edwin Galan Teruki said the Fire and Rescue Department had deployed helicopters to Johor and Pahang.

"The helicopters will be used to rescue flood victims and carry out surveillance at flood prone areas," he said when met after his visit to Segamat on Thursday (march 2).

So far, the number of flood evacuees has surpassed 28,000 nationwide.

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Johor is the worst hit with 26,000 victims, followed by Pahang (934), Negri Sembilan (704), Sarawak (361), Sabah (108) and Melaka (51).

Edwin said they were preparing to mobilise additional manpower and equipment if the flood situation worsens nationwide.

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"We have more than 400 rescue boats and 140 heavy vehicles," he said, adding that so far, only one death has been recorded in the country.

Asked about flood preparations, he said they had always stationed additional boats in flood hotspots including Segamat and Kota Tinggi due to the past major floods in both areas.

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He urged the people in low-lying areas to be prepared to be evacuated.

Edwin also reminded parents not to let their children play near drains, lakes, rivers or ponds during the floods.