The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

TZU CHI 138 43 Local News daughter receive the packed meals from the volunteers. Her family has lived in Angkasa Nuri for a decade, and experienced a less serious flood five years ago. This time, they hurriedly drove their car to park at a relative’s house in the heavy rain. Although they were trapped at home, it was fortunate that the floodwaters did not enter their house. Kwee Sin shared that they had a very simple lunch as they were not in the mood to eat. She thanked Tzu Chi for the packed meals, which solved their dinner. When volunteer Li Xiu Feng received the packed meals, her thoughts went back to the massive flood that hit the central and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia 15 years ago. She remembered how she was so tired, and touched to tears eating the packed meal from Tzu Chi—an organization that she came across for the first time. Since then, she became a volunteer. This time, she no longer panicked. Instead, she called to extend care to fellow volunteers and care recipients living nearby, to see if they needed any assistance. Comfort in despair After visiting flood victims in Pengkalan Rama Pantai, volunteer Lim Tiew liaised with state assemblyman Low Chee Leong, where the latter would arrange for distribution of dry food first, while the volunteers would deliver hot meals, water and bread in the evening. Thailemey a/p Kesaven, informed that her kitchen was soaked in floodwaters, and now with the packed meals, the two elderly people at home could finally have some hot food. Her neighbour, Thevanai a/p Supaya echoed, “My relatives brought us some food. It is okay for the adults, but the four children cannot stand hunger. Thank you so much!” As the floodwater was above knee- level and there was a power interruption, the residents could only wait for the water to recede so that they could clean up their homes and resume their normal lives. Boh Kee Dou evacuated his home the night before and returned this morning only to find his house still soaked in water. Seeing that even a gas cylinder, which is over ten kilogrammes, was floating in the water, he could not help but murmured in sadness, “It is gone. My home is gone!” The volunteers comforted him and assured him that he could always contact Tzu Chi if he needs assistance. With tears in his eyes, he said, “At least I am still alive. Thank you!” Unforgotten love On October 22, volunteers continued to prepare hot meals to be delivered to flood victims in Angkasa Nuri and Taman Dato Tamby Chik Karim. When the residents returned the lunch boxes that they received a day earlier, some brought up the heart- warming moments back in 2006, when volunteers delivered packed meals to them for several days after the massive flood hit. Meanwhile, volunteers also delivered eco-blankets and second-hand clothing to evacuees at a relief centre in Bemban, after learning that they lacked warm clothing. More than 100 volunteersweremobilized for the flood relief carried out over two days. The small gesture might seem insignificant, but perhaps, it will leave a lasting memory of the beauty of humanity.