The world of Tzu Chi February 2021(Vol.131)

34 2021 • 02 pecial Feature Immediate Relief Aid for Deluged Pahang At the start of 2021, heavy rainfall triggered severe floods in several Malaysian states, including Pahang, Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan and Selangor, with Pahang and Johor being the worst hit. According to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage website, as of January 22, the rate of rainfall had exceeded the drainage capacity in many areas, and “danger” and “warning” alerts had been issued. Since early January, Tzu Chi volunteers have initiated flood relief efforts in Kuantan, Raub, Temerloh and Mentakab in Pahang, as well as Kota Tinggi, Kluang and Ulu Tiram in Johor, among other places. The volunteers visited the local relief centres to extend their care to the flood victims, and upon learning of the evacuees’ needs for some daily necessities, food supplies, drinking water and blankets, they immediately purchased and delivered the items to the centres. After the floodwaters had receded and the evacuees returned to their homes, volunteers visited them and swiftly arranged for delivery of vegetarian packed meals so that they could focus on the clean-up. The volunteers also gathered the local folks to help out with the clean-up and conduct home visits to collect necessary details in preparation for the cash relief distribution. Just as the flood situation improved in West Malaysia, flooding was reported in Sarawak and Sabah in East Malaysia. The high intensity rainfall on January 15 was not anticipated. It caused some residents to make a treacherous evacuation. Situation was worst in Kuching, with over 4,400 evacuees sent to 49 relief centres. The local Tzu Chi volunteers also launched relief and care actions. Compiled by Editorial Team Translated by Lee Hui Yieng Photograph by Lai Nyok Chan