[FINAL v6] PDF 2014- 2015 Malaysia Floods

During the flood, disruption in electricity, communication, inaccessibility of landtransportation
and water supply posed great challenge to most agencies including health
and medical services especially in managing emergency cases and to give primary care
services to the community of the affected areas.
To make matters worse, flood waters can overload the sewage system and contaminated
the flooded areas. Lack of drinking water, poor sanitation and the close quarters offered in
many emergencies shelters create ripe conditions for spreading many communicable
diseases, such as E.Coli, food poisoning, upper respiratory infections, rotaviruses and
others.
During the flood, the Pahang State Health Department faced some challenges regarding
service delivery of the routine services, medical emergency services, deployment of human
resources and supply to the affected areas. Fortunately, other agencies and NGOs were
very helpful by providing supplemental medical sources and arranging for evacuation of
injured or sick patients to hospitals.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on those experiences in managing the big flood in Pahang in 2014-2015, the Pahang
State Health Department is adequate for responding to flood-related health problems in
terms of preventive, treatment and post-flood healthcare. It is very important, that by
developing clear facility preparedness plans in which it gives on detail standard operating
procedures during floods and identify specific job descriptions so that it would strengthen
responses to future floods. Health facilities should have contingency funds available for
emergency response in the event of floods and other disaster. Health facilities should
ensure that standard protocols exist in order to improve responses in the event of floods.
Introduction of robust tools and equipment for communication system would accelerate
information sharing and data processing. In addition, national and local policies need to be
strengthened and developed in a way that transfers into action in local situations.
REFERENCES
1. ‘Record numbers evacuated in Malaysia’s worst floods in decades’. Reuters.
Investing.com. 26 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
2. Laporan Tahunan 2015. Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Pahang, 2015.
3