The recent floods that hit Johor, and parts of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang was a very unfortunate incident for Malaysians. The weather which seems to have taken on a disastrous pattern in recent times with numerous typhoons and cyclones ravaging Southeast Asia and the Pacific has caused tremendous pain and suffering among people. Many experts have attributed the change in the weather pattern to global warming.

Thus, the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak on adopting a mitigation plan after studying the impact of floods and other extreme weather conditions on the country's socio-economic development, though unprecedented, is very welcoming.

The floods in the eastern and southern states as well as the disasters in neighbouring countries like Philippines and Australia should serve as a lesson to us all on preparing for the impending effects brought about by climate change. The preparation should not just include disaster preparedness and management but also a holistic look at how to mitigate climate change and address the root-causes of flooding. Further, addressing the causes of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions are also vital.

Addressing issues of urban planning, forest conversions, land reclamation, sandmining of rivers and river basin management are just the tip of the iceberg. This should include an alternative to fossil fuel and increasing resources on adaptation of measures.

Over the years, massive reclamation has taken place in Singapore and rivers in Johor have been mined to supply sand. These factors should be studied to ascertain if they had any impact in worsening the floods in Johor.

In relation to disaster preparedness, assessment of the root-cause of aftermaths such as landslides, flooding, ruined crops and properties, and even death should be a part of the efforts to reduce the impact in future. The after-effects of disasters on people and the environment could have been tamed if not curbed, if only authorities and people were more prepared.

For instance, residents in affected areas could have been given training to deal with disasters, empowering them with knowledge to be the first at the scene to deal with affected victims instead of waiting for uniformed rescuers to come to them.

In Philippines, maps for disaster prone areas are created to ensure that people are evacuated to safer parts in the area as soon as warnings are sent out. In India, where cyclones and floods are regular occurrences, micro credits and micro insurances are provided for victims to get them back on their feet again as the loss of livelihood adds to the psychological trauma following a catastrophe.

There is much to be done and we must learn quickly from the lessons as we prepare for disasters to come in view of climate change.

The writer is president of Sahabat Alam Malaysia.