Remembering 2014’s great flood, Kelantan firefighters prepare for another big test

Kota Bharu, Nov 9 — The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department is drawing on its knowledge of the 2014 floods to bolster its readiness for possible extreme disasters in the state, according to its director, Farhan Sufyan Borhan. He explained that the 2014 flood, which affected large parts of the state, presented significant challenges to rescue operations.

Despite having a service continuity plan to ensure fire stations remained operational even when submerged, the disaster's scale surpassed the state's response capabilities. Farhan Sufyan acknowledged the necessity of assistance from other states, particularly in terms of personnel and resources, to maintain rescue operations when disasters surpass the capacity of state agencies.

He highlighted the proposed establishment of a regional forward base as one of the measures being considered to enhance response capabilities in the event of another major flood. Farhan Sufyan also pointed out that the initial hours following a disaster often pose the greatest challenge for rescue agencies, as operations are yet to be fully coordinated.

He noted that these initial stages are typically chaotic, with a surge in emergency calls demanding the deployment of personnel and assets to affected areas. Farhan Sufyan emphasized that coordination among rescue agencies is crucial to ensuring a swift response and preventing duplication of efforts. He stressed the importance of continuous inter-agency cooperation, training, and discussions to ensure all parties understand their roles during emergencies.

Farhan Sufyan stressed that such preparedness is essential to guarantee more coordinated rescue operations, particularly during widespread flooding.