The world of Tzu Chi Apr-Jun 2023 (Vol.146)

2023 • 06 24 ocal News Translated by Lee You Zhuan Johor Floods: United in Love and Kindness for Relief Efforts Johor I 01.03 – 01.05.2023 By Kick Lee Yee, Yo Choon Yen & Kang Miew Tiang Photo by Chin Fook Chuen T he continuous heavy rainfall in southern Malaysia resulted in severe flooding in several towns in Johor state, including Chaah, Bekok, Labis, and Segamat. In the early morning of March 1, 2023, Tzu Chi volunteers in Bekok received a call from local officials regarding the needs of flood victims. In response, the volunteers transported the preloved clothes that had been sorted at the Tzu Chi Bekok Recycling Centre to the evacuation centre for immediate distribution. In the afternoon, as the floodwaters in Bekok receded, affected residents started returning home. The volunteers conducted inspections and offered a helping hand to a former care recipient in cleaning his home. On the same morning, volunteers from Muar embarked on their journey to meet up with volunteers in Labis and Chaah in four four-wheel drive vehicles and a truck, with the target of participating in clean-up and relief distribution efforts. However, they encountered obstacles on the way, including rising water levels, road closures, and the breakdown of the truck. Unable