By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: A major flood caused by a dam breach has submerged several villages.
In response, a large-scale rescue operation involving various departments and agencies has been launched to assist affected residents.
Evacuations of victims by land and air were conducted to the Temporary Evacuation Center (PPS) at the Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force in Ulu Kinta.
This scenario was depicted during the Rural Emergency Disaster Exercise (REDEX Kinta) 2024 at the Sungai Pinji Recreational Park in Tanjung Rambutan.
During the exercise, rescue teams were deployed to locate and evacuate stranded and injured victims from Mount Korbu.
Food aid was also delivered by air due to road access being cut off.
REDEX was organized to enhance the preparedness of all involved departments for disasters, especially during the Northeast Monsoon season.
The exercise involved various agencies led by the Royal Malaysia Police, along with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.
Also participating were the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kinta District and Land Office, and the Department of Social Welfare.
Other participants included the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Perak Water Board, Department of Environment, Water Treatment Plants, and the Forestry Department.
Operations conducted in each scenario were integrated among departments based on provisions under the National Disaster Management Agency’s directives.
The closing of REDEX was officiated by the Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, Dato’ Ahmad Izram Osman.
