INGENIEUR
Figure 2: Numbers of
reported natural disasters,
world regions, 1980-2011
(United Nations, 2013)
roads, bridges and the 215 affected slopes alone
are estimated to cost more than RM1.09 million.
The actual cost of the disaster is still being tallied,
with a preliminary estimate of more than RM 2
billion, making it the costliest flood in the history
of this country.
The impact and magnitude caused by flooding
are massive. For some people, their lives will
never be the same again. Some were left with
virtually nothing and many others will require a
lot of resources to bring back some measures
of normality to their lives. And then, there is the
whole issue of education, business and economy,
health and social impact that need to be
addreesed and remedied. It may take months if
not years to bring back all the assets and facilities
to the condition they were before the flood.
Although floods are an inventible phenomena,
the impact could be minimised by implementing
appropriate strategies prior to and after the
flood. Through these experiences, comprehensive
strategies with pragmatic mechanisms to deal
with uncertainties and dangers produced by flood
disaster were developed (H. A. Hussaini, 2007).
The five strategies outlined in dealing with flood
problems in Malaysia are highlighted in Table 1.
Strategy
Aim
Prevention
Preventing damage caused by floods by avoiding the construction of
houses, properties and industries in present and future flood-prone
areas; by adapting future developments to the risk of flooding; and by
promoting appropriate land-use, agricultural and forestry practices.
Protection
Taking measures, both structural and non-structural, to reduce the
likelihood and the impact of floods in specific flood prone locations.
Preparedness
Informing the public about flood risks and what to do in the event of a
flood.
Emergency response
Developing emergency response plans and actions in case of a flood.
Recovery and lessons Returning to normal conditions as soon as possible and mitigating both
learned
the social and economic impacts on the affected population.
Table 1: Strategies with pragmatic mechanism in dealing with flood problems.
Source: (H. A. Hussaini, 2007)
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VOL
– SEPTEMBER
2015
VOL63
55JULY
JUNE
2013