KLANG, Dec 19 – Other means of coordination between rescuers, relief centres and Non governmental organisations and other parties helping out victims of the flood is needed as phone contact has become difficult, says Renukka Kandiah, a volunteer worker who has been responding to calls for help and passing the info to those coordinating help for victims.
“For instance, some of those who had sought help have lost contact with us, either because their phone batteries are out, they have no means of charging their phone. As for rescuers, once they are on operations, their phone lines are off or they don’t have service in the areas they are working.
“In this instance, when shelters and relief centres register all persons seeking shelter, they should advise those with their phone lines intact to call their contacts and inform them of their safety or the shelter staff can also register their names and update their status should anyone reach out to shelter centres to check on their relatives or friends.
“This way, we can tick them in the list as already in safe zone. Right now, our challenge is getting to confirm those who sought help and if they are already in relief centres. They should also call if they can, to let those who are worrying about them that they are safe.”
The Selangor Government has already opened 46 temporary flood relief centres with over 3,852 people from the areas of Klang, Petaling, Sepang, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor seeking shelter there currently.
All these centres are equipped with all the basic necessities as well as protective items for Covid-19 including masks and sanitisers.
In a statement issued this morning, Menteri Besar Selangor Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari said the state has put on set all its machineries including its Fire and Rescue Departments, Police and the Armed Forces to help with evacuation of those affected into safe zones.
Air Selangor has been also directed to ensure the supply of water at all flood relief centres.
The operations are being carried out via Smart Selangor Operations Centre (SSOC), he said.
All systems to control the flood gates as well as drainage systems are also being undertaken to ensure that the floods are kept under control, he added.
Kota Kemuning Assemblyman Ganabathi Rao, who has been at the SKJ (T) Emerald Bukit Kemuning flood relief centre since Saturday, said help has been sought to get more boats to carry out rescue operations of victims trapped in their homes due to the flood.
As of 8pm Sunday night, calls and messages are still incoming from the friends and relatives of victims held up in the first floors of their homes with no food and a way out.
“We are doing our best to get these people out,” he said.
–WE