FLOODS: PERAK DID MOBILISES 83 MOBILE PUMPS IN PREPARATION FOR NORTHEAST MONSOON

IPOH, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- The Perak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has mobilised 83 mobile pumps across the state in preparation for floods expected during the Northeast Monsoon, which is forecast to continue until March next year.

Its director Asnor Muizan Ishak said that of the total, 74 pump units were operational on site, while nine units were on standby as of Dec 4.

“In total, Perak has 136 mobile pumps of various capacities (excluding four NADMA units), including high-capacity pumps of up to 20 cubic feet per second (cusec) to expedite water removal, particularly in low-lying areas and around river mouths.

“These pumps are important in draining floodwaters from low-lying areas into rivers, ponds or the sea, particularly when rivers are at high levels and during high tide,” he said when contacted today.

Most of the pumps, he said, have been placed in Manjung, Hilir Perak and Bagan Datuk, which were still affected by stagnant water due to low-lying ground.

Asnor Muizan also said that the use of mobile pumps was one of the most effective short-term measures to tackle flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas where poor drainage prevented rainwater from flowing into rivers.

“During periods of high river levels or high tide and heavy rainfall, water in low-lying areas cannot flow out easily, with some places taking a week to a month to recede, as there is no outlet into the river. This is where the use of pumps plays a major role.

“Operating mobile pumps incurs costs such as installation, maintenance and oil consumption, and staff are needed to operate them. They also need to be supervised to prevent vandalism,” he said.

Asnor Muizan said that managing floods in the state required cooperation between local authorities, land offices, the Public Works Department and other related agencies.

“The DID is among the parties that will assist, including by providing additional pumps, boats or excavators if needed, and since the state has entered the early phase of the Northeast Monsoon, Perak DID remains on standby to face any possible flooding,” he said.

--BERNAMA