NSC READY TO FACE EVEN WORSE FLOODS IN NORTHERN STATE

ALOR SETAR (Kedah, Malaysia), Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The National Security Council
(NSC) expects the floods in northern state of Kedah to worsen and affect more
areas, but is well prepared to face such an eventuality, Minister in the Prime
Minister's Department Mohamad Nazri Abdul Aziz said Thursday.

He said the floods, which have hit the Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Pokok Sena and
Kota Setar districts, were expected to strike several more districts.

Nevertheless, the NSC had made the necessary preparations particularly in terms
of logistics, such as lorries, trucks and boats, to meet any eventuality, he
said after visiting flood evacuees in Kota Setar, here.

"We are ready. We expect other districts to be hit by the floods as well. We
have consolidated our (evacuation) teams. In Kedah, we have more than 700 people
from all the relevant agencies. We have a total of 32 boats.

"The floods began to hit Pendang yesterday. Kedah and Perlis have 41,984
evacuees in all," he said.

Mohamad Nazri said the floods in Kedah and Perlis were the biggest yet in the
two states, forcing immediate despatch of aid to avert bigger problems.

"I am happy with what is being done now. Although we have made preparations,
there is always some confusion on the first day of the floods. After that,
everything falls into place nicely.

"Generally, the victims understand the situation and are satisfied with the aid
given. We have done the best to ensure the safety and welfare of the evacuees at
the relief centres," he said.

Mohamad Nazri said the NSC had committees in all districts to monitor the flood
situation and evacuate people with the use of trucks and boats.

"We will make sure that they are not isolated by the floods," he said.
-- BERNAMA