Fire and Rescue Department carries out 898 flood rescue operations nationwide since Nov 13

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 7 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has carried out 898 evacuation and rescue operations involving flood victims nationwide from Nov 13 until yesterday.

JBPM deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman said a total of 4,747 victims were evacuated or rescued through operations conducted by water, land and air. During the same period, the department also carried out 8,174 operations and monitoring activities across various locations, including coastal areas, rivers and flood-prone zones, to safeguard public safety during the Northeast Monsoon.

“From Nov 13 until yesterday, we received 873 emergency calls from the public requesting assistance. In states without a Rapid Response Team, such as Kelantan and Perlis, support teams were deployed from Kuala Lumpur, the Eastern Region Fire and Rescue Academy, Selangor, Kedah and Penang,” he said at a JBPM Welfare Association programme here yesterday.

Terengganu JBPM director Nor Mahathir Muhamad was also present.

At the event, Ahmad Izram handed over cash aid and essential supplies to 16 firefighters affected by the recent floods. He added that six drowning fatalities were recorded nationwide from Jan 1 until yesterday.

He urged the public to remain cautious and avoid water-related activities until the monsoon season comes to an end. — Bernama