BIGBEN OPERATING ROUND-THE-CLOCK TO MONITOR FLOOD SITUATION - NANTA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Public Works Department (JKR) has placed its Disaster Operations Room (BigBen) on Level 3, operating round-the-clock in response to worsening floods and landslides in several states, especially on the East Coast, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said BigBen, operating at JKR headquarters, was responsible for coordinating nationwide infrastructure damage data, monitoring the situation in the field in real time, overseeing the movements of JKR technical teams, and acting as the main reference centre for the National Disaster Management Agency.

“All state JKRs have also been instructed to activate their respective operations rooms and report to BigBen at headquarters,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page today.

According to Nanta, authorities reported more than 13,000 flood victims across eight states,with Kelantan the worst hit, where over 9,000 people were taking shelter in relief centres as of 3.30 pm today. 

He said several landslides had also been reported, including at an apartment at Jalan Sepadu 6, Taman United, Seputeh here.

“My deepest sympathy and heartfelt concern are with all the victims, their families, and the people affected by the floods and landslides resulting from heavy rain over the past few days.

“This phenomenon has occurred following the Northeast Monsoon, which is currently sweeping across the country and it is an annual challenge for the people and the government due to changing weather conditions,” he said.

Nanta said that upon receiving information about the incident, the Work Ministry had deployed the JKR technical team to all affected locations to assess safety and carry out immediate repairs to critical infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, and slopes.

“Identified high-risk routes have been temporarily closed to prevent any incidents, while 24-hour monitoring is being conducted in risk zones in collaboration with relevant agencies and local authorities.

“I have also instructed all departments and agencies under this ministry, particularly the JKR, to step up monitoring and increase their presence in the field, while collaborating with local communities, authorities, and relevant agencies to obtain the latest updates on the situation,” he said.

--BERNAMA