JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT - SPECIAL EDITION VOL II: DECEMBER 2015 5
Rapid Assessment of Floods in Kelantan: Information for Action
Saraswathi BR1, Fadzilah K2, Rosemawati A2 1Penang State Health Department
2Office of Deputy Director General of Health (Public Health)
Abstract
In December 2014, Kelantan faced unprecedented flooding which damaged infrastructure, disrupted services and caused mass destruction. The response mechanisms in place for such an event failed. The epidemiology intelligence team was called in to carry out an assessment to determine functionality of the health centres, identify potential threats and take immediate measures where possible. We assembled in teams at the office of the Director General of Health and targeted eight affected districts affected. After collection of information on functioning routes to the areas, we arrived at the field where we appraised the evidence through direct observation, focus group discussion, key informant interviews and street interviews. We took steps where possible to mitigate the risks identified on site. All evidence and information gathered form our teams were channelled back to the National Coordination committee through social media application in real time. This information was then transformed into action by the relevant departments and committees.
The basis for any action taken in times of disaster must be a good assessment of the situation on the field.
This is to target the response according to the need.
Key words: floods, information, disaster
Introduction
Kelantan, located on the north-east coast of peninsula Malaysia has a tropical climate and experiences intermittent rain throughout the year. The North- East monsoon that prevails from November to January brings heavy rain to this region annually.
Often, during this period low-lying regions get flooded. But climate change, can result in extremes that may present in the form of floods, landslides and flash floods. In December, 2014, an unprecedented amount of rainfall caused massive flooding in the state of Kelantan. The areas affected first were those in the coastal, riverine and low-lying areas.
But with the concomitant high tides larger areas were affected and the destruction that followed came about in two waves. The first wave occurred on the 17th December 2014 followed by another wave on 25th December 2014.
Response mechanisms are in place for the annual
flooding that occurs during this period; however the magnitude of this year’s flooding caused these systems to fail, resulting in a displaced population without emergency relief such as food, clean clothing, clean water and access to medical aid.
Many parts of the interior of the state and clinics were cut off, communication lines were down, and roads were submerged and inaccessible. Information was sketchy. The State Crisis Preparedness and Response centre (CPRC) was in operation but to escape the floods that affected the State Health Department, they had to move their operation centre several times. Health staff throughout the state was limited as they dealt with their own situations: many were affected by the floods with their homes submerged or destroyed. Some were unable to get to work, and there was no information from the state of some staff.
