Latest news with #DisasterManagementCommittees
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Sarawak to convene meeting soon on drought and water supply concerns
KUCHING: A Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) meeting will be convened within the next two days to address the ongoing water shortage and drought in the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. He said the meeting is aimed at ensuring the state's disaster response machinery is well prepared to deal with the current situation. "These are serious issues that we need to deal with immediately," he told reporters after representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg at the inaugural Borneo International Integrity Summit yesterday. Uggah, who also chairs the SDMC, said all Divisional and District Disaster Management Committees (DDDMCs) have been placed on high alert due to the prolonged dry spell. He added that he has instructed the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to deploy drones to detect hotspots. "If we were to wait for a big area to be burnt, then it will be too late," Uggah said, explaining that the drones would help detect smoke early and allow for immediate action. He said the current hotspots are mainly peat fires. "It seems that there are many hotspots in Sarawak," he said, warning the public against open burning. The state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) reported that large tracts of land in Mukah and Marudi have been affected in recent days. In Mukah, a fire that began on July 25 has destroyed more than two hectares of peat forest, while in Marudi, over 80 hectares have been lost to a fire that started on July 26. Uggah also urged the DDDMCs to monitor villages and longhouses facing water shortages. He said the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development is working closely with the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to deliver water to affected areas.
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Sarawak disaster committees on alert amid hot dry weather
KUCHING: District and divisional-level Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) in Sarawak have been instructed to remain vigilant due to the ongoing hot and dry weather. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who chairs the state JPBN, emphasised the need for continuous monitoring as the conditions heighten fire and haze risks. 'The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) will also be using drone technology to monitor areas where smoke may be detected. 'We have also requested the resident offices to monitor the current situation,' Uggah said after launching the Borneo International Integrity Summit 2025. He added that reports of water shortages in several villages have prompted action from the Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) and the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB). 'We are convening a meeting soon to assess the situation, especially the water shortage, which is a serious issue. Our machinery must be ready to address these challenges effectively,' he said. – Bernama
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Heavy rain forecast for next four days in North Karnataka region, orange alert issued
DHARWAD: Orange alert has been declared for Dharwad, Belagavi, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura districts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for next four days beginning on May 24, as it has forecast heavy to very heavy rains with gusty winds. IMD said these districts will receive heavy rains with a wind speed of 40-50 km per hour and thunder storm on May 24, 25, 26 and 27. The deputy commissioners and the chairpersons of the District Disaster Management Committees have appealed to the people, to be alert and follow the safety protocol announced earlier. In Dharwad district, DC Divya Prabhu has asked people, especially those residing in Tupparihalla and Bennehalla stream basin to be careful. IMD has predicted that moderate rain/thunderstorm with gusty winds are likely to occur at many places in Bagalkot, Haveri, Koppal, Raichur and Yadgir districts. In South Interior Karnataka and Malnad region, heavy rains/thundershowers with gusty winds are likely to occur at a few places over Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts, the IMD said. It has forecast light-to-moderate rains/thundershowers with gusty winds in Chitradurga, Davanagere, Ballari, Bengaluru (Rural), Bengaluru Urban, Chamarajnagar, Chikkaballapura. Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Tumakuru and Vijayanagara districts. In Coastal Karnataka, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada district will receive heavy to very heavy rains, the IMD said.
