The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

2020 • 09 36 ocal News Translated by Ten Zhe Xin O n the morning of August 11, 2020, Malacca was lashed by a short but violent storm. The uprooted trees damaged houses and blocked roads, causing heavy traffic. The affected areas included Malim Jaya, Taman Asean, Peringgit Jaya, Taman Gadong Perdana, Taman Malim Permai, Lorong Pandan and Taman Merdeka. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. The storm blew apart one of the roofs of SJK(C) Malim, which hit another school building before landing at the basketball court about 30 metres away. The school was in a mess, students were frightened, and over 20 people suffered minor injuries and were sent to the hospital immediately. After the onslaught of the storm, local government rescue teams like ambulances, traffic police, fire brigades and the Malaysia Civil Defense Force were dispatched to maintain traffic order and provide aid. Tzu Chi Malacca volunteers also rushed to SJK(C) Malim and the hospital before noon to extend their care and comfort the injured students. School authorities evacuated the students to the school hall. At the school gate, volunteers accompanied students to their anxious parents who were waiting for them. On August 12, eight Tzu Chi volunteers worked with various government units and NGOs to clean up the school. The students’ bags were left in a hurry that day, so volunteers carried the bags to the hall and labelled them with the students’ name and class so it was Malacca 2020.08 Together Through Thick and Thin Compiled by Tan Siew Chern Photograph by Yong Siew Lee