States in charge of disaster management, says Nadma

 

Nadma says its role as a facilitating agency is to monitor state efforts from time to time.

PETALING JAYA: State governments are given full autonomy to manage disasters, with federal agencies only intervening when a situation turns severe, a federal disaster management agency said today.

National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Aminuddin Hassim said that besides coming in when the situation is severe, it also steps in when there is confusion and “when necessary agencies do not respond” appropriately.

Speaking to the media at flood-hit Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam, he said in all states, the state secretary chairs the state disaster management committee and consults with the menteri besar or chief minister.

Aminuddin said these state-level committees receive weather forecasts and updates by the drainage and irrigation department.

He said Nadma, in its role as a facilitating agency, would monitor state efforts from time to time and hold simulations in flood-prone states, such as those on the east coast.

Aminuddin said this was all detailed in an order released by the National Security Council, which has been in place for many years.

Separately, special functions minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad dismissed bad blood between government agencies in flood relief.

He denied that the ill-will between agencies had made the sufferings of victims worse, saying that such claims were attempts to incite distrust.

“This cannot be politicised. We are colour blind when it comes to disasters. There is no problem with the military (in lending assistance).

“Nadma only takes over when it reaches the severe stage. That is why we are not involved in the handling of disasters at state levels,” he said.

Latiff also denied claims that authorities have now blocked NGOs trying to deliver aid and taking part in rescue efforts.

He said the environment and water ministry has placed 16 submersible pumps to divert stagnant water at flood-affected areas.

Latiff said eight more such pumps would be used in more areas soon, with collected water to be released in other open spaces. - FMT