Building Flood Resilient Communities in Malaysia
Developing Evacuation Routes and Drills
In the wake of recent floods that affected over 100,000 people in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and several other states, an environmental expert has proposed developing evacuation routes and conducting drills as part of an effort to build flood resilient communities in Malaysia. K Kalithasan, river care programme manager at the Global Environmental Centre (GEC), emphasized the importance of being aware of flood evacuation routes and familiarizing oneself with them.
Kalithasan also suggested making flood drills compulsory for the community and at school, similar to fire drills. He stressed that the government must get the people involved in driving such efforts to minimize the frequency and severity of flood disasters.
Nature-Based Solutions
Kalithasan also urged the government to look into nature-based solutions that emphasize flood management by strengthening green infrastructure, instead of purely relying on drainage systems. He agreed with the recommendation by Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to construct high embankments along Malaysia’s coastline. Following a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to implement a decades-old mitigation project by Jica.
Strengthening Structural Designs
Engineering consultant Adnan Nor suggested strengthening the structural designs of susceptible houses in flood-prone areas. He proposed constructing a safe house next to the main house to provide additional structural support in the event of floods. Adnan also suggested building a floating house, with large barrels serving as flotation devices.
Mitigating Flood Damage
While it is impossible to prevent flooding completely, it is essential to plan for a rainy day. Adnan emphasized the importance of being aware of the risk of our surroundings and taking action to mitigate any damage or loss caused by floods.
Conclusion
Building flood resilient communities in Malaysia requires a multi-faceted approach that involves developing evacuation routes and conducting drills, implementing nature-based solutions, and strengthening structural designs. By working together, we can minimize the impact of floods and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
FAQs
Q: What is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of floods?
A: Developing evacuation routes and conducting drills, implementing nature-based solutions, and strengthening structural designs are all effective ways to mitigate the impact of floods.
Q: Why is it essential to be aware of flood evacuation routes?
A: It is essential to be aware of flood evacuation routes to ensure timely evacuation in the event of a flood.
Q: Can we prevent flooding completely?
A: No, it is impossible to prevent flooding completely. However, we can plan for a rainy day and take action to mitigate any damage or loss caused by floods.