KOTA BHARU: Kelantan is expected to get more rainfalls in the last three months of the year, which are 45 per cent of its annual average of 2,700mm.
Deputy Secretary of State (Development), Datuk Dr Tengku Mohamed Faziharudean Tengku Feissal, said data from the Meteorology Department and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage forecast that heavy rainfall would happen in November and December.
He said 607 temporary relief centres with a combined capacity of 198,000 evacuees will be opened throughout the state, namely Kota Bharu, Kuala Krai and Pasir Mas in preparation for the disaster.
"A total of 207 boats and 4,471 security personnel from various agencies such as the fire department, the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATMs) and the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM) have been put on standby.
"Although the remaining percentage of the annual rainfall is quite alarming, we believe the floods will not be as bad as how it was in 2014.
"Based on forecasts, heavy rainfall in November will occur in coastal areas, while in December it will affect remote areas such as Kuala Krai and Machang. However, the security forces have prepared for the coming monsoon season from November to March next year," he said.
He said this at a press conference after chairing the State Disaster Management Committee Meeting at the Kota Darul Naim Complex here today.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Social Welfare Department director Said Sidup said it had received RM1 million allocation from the Federal Government and RM300,000 from the state government for food and other supplies at relief centres in preparation for the flood.
“Part of the food supplies will be sent to 207 forward bases, 17 mini depots and one main depot beginning this month," he said.