SARAWAK FORMS SPECIAL TEAM TO MONITOR DROUGHT, DAM WATER LEVELS
KUCHING, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has agreed to establish a Special Operations Team at the State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC) to continuously monitor and coordinate the impact of declining water levels statewide.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the committee and relevant agencies are also eyeing a potential cloud seeding window between Sept 3 and Sept 5 as part of proactive measures ahead of a prolonged hot and dry spell.
“The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported that it is currently assessing suitable conditions for cloud seeding. A further meeting on Sept 1 will determine whether conditions are suitable for the operation.
“Previous cloud seeding exercises conducted on May 11 to 12 and June 19 to 21 had a positive impact on dam water levels, according to Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB),” he said in a statement after chairing a special virtual coordination meeting today.
The meeting brought together representatives from MetMalaysia, SEB, Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces and all Resident offices.
Uggah said the measures were taken following forecasts that current El Niño conditions are expected to intensify in Sarawak between this October to December and may persist until at least April 2027.
“The latest El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook indicates that El Niño is currently at moderate intensity, with a high potential for the phenomenon to reach strong or even 'Super' El Niño intensity between September 2026 and January 2027.
“El Niño is a global climate phenomenon, and its impacts can be felt across different regions. While the extent and duration of its impacts cannot be determined with certainty, Sarawak is taking early measures to mitigate potential effects, particularly the potential for prolonged dry conditions and declining water levels,” he said.
On general water supply preparedness, Uggah said the Welfare Department and the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) have been supplying and will continue to provide water assistance to affected communities where necessary.
“Resident Offices and all agencies have also been asked to review their preparedness, including water supplies, logistics, and resources to ensure timely assistance should conditions worsen," the statement said.
Uggah added that below-average rainfall is anticipated in the southwestern parts of the state through December, compounded by the ongoing Southwest Monsoon which is expected to last until September.
-- BERNAMA
