JOHOR BARU: Johor Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is standing by to face the year-end flood expected to hit the state from November onwards.
Its director Siti Rohani Nadir said the department is closely monitoring the situation as Johor started to experience downpours in recent weeks.
“We are already in a transition period from the southwest monsoon to northeast monsoon, which is known to bring heavy rainfall starting from November until March,’’ she told reporters at the Johor Bomba’s monthly assembly at Taman Johor Jaya Fire and Rescue station here on Thursday (Sept 11).
Siti Rohani said based on past data, major floods will start to take place in November but the department was keeping tabs on the situation.
“As you can see, it has been raining in Johor almost every other day this month, sometimes causing flash and minor floods in certain areas in the state,’’ she said.
Siti Rohani added that the department will work closely with the relevant agencies to assist flood victims should a major flood hit Johor anytime from now.
“From November onwards, annual leave for our personnel has been frozen, as part of our preparedness for major flooding in Johor,’’ said Siti Rohani.
She also reminded the public to be more vigilant and check the weather forecast if they were planning to spend time with family members and friends during this wet weather.
Siti Rohani advised them to refrain from going to waterfalls, resorts by rivers and beaches to avoid drowning cases and a sudden surge of water at waterfalls.
At the event, Johor Bomba also presented 15 9.9hp-engine boats, costing RM12,000 each, to 15 community fire and rescue teams to be used in disaster response in rescuing victims and transporting supplies.
