Terengganu has set up 118 forward bases throughout the state to store food supplies and basic necessities at strategic places so that victims in disaster areas can receive assistance speedily.

Trengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said said the three of forward bases were located in Kuala Terengganu, Kemaman (17), Dungun (11), Besut (23), Hulu Terenggnau (33), Marang (16) and Setiu (15).

“We are prepared for the rainy season following a State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) meeting yesterday.

“It was aimed at finding out the state of preparedness of all departments and agencies involved in managing the flood for the 2013/2014 season,” he said after presenting prizes of a state-level village cleanliness and beautification contest in Marang.

Ahmad, who is also the JPBN chairperson, urged all parties involved in flood disaster management to place their respective machinery in order so as to be proactive and responsive at all time.

He said the Terengganu Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) has identified 198 areas frequently affected by floods throughout the state.

He said the areas were in Besut (30), Setiu (21), Kuala Terengganu (17), Marang (27), Hulu Terengganu (29), Dungun (32) and Kemaman (42).

Meanwhile, the Welfare Department has established 437 evacuation centres which could accommodate 53,172 flood victims.

The evacuation centres comprised 47 in Kuala Terengganu involving 11,170 victims, Kemaman (57/12,180), Dungun (52/10,015), Besut (141/14,722), Hulu Terengganu (81/8,950), Marang (24/3,700) and Setiu (35/2,435).

He said the JPBN secretariat was also providing 15 mobile toilets located at Padang Midin Territorial Army Camp, near Marang to be despatched to evacuation centres in the state.

- Bernama