The World Of Tzu Chi March 2025 (Vol.153)

TZU CHI 153 07 hearted individuals, went door to door to register affected households, lend a listening ear, and offer comfort. Among the teams were volunteers who were also flood victims themselves, yet they set aside their own needs to offer love and support to others. The sight that greeted volunteers was heartbreaking – homes filled with stagnant water and thick mud, furniture and appliances destroyed, and streets lined with heaps of discarded belongings. The stench of dampness lingered in the air. Yet, the most heart- wrenching moments came when affected residents, holding back their grief for days, finally allowed their tears to fall in the presence of volunteers. Nurul Sukma recounted the terrifying evacuation experience. Choking back tears, she said, “I wrote my mother’s and my phone numbers on my children’s arms and told them, ‘If your bags become too heavy while fleeing, just leave them behind.’ My child asked, ‘But what about our clothes?’ I told them, ‘It’s okay. We can buy new clothes. Your lives are what matter most.’” Another affected resident, Evong Jok, expressed deep gratitude to Tzu Chi, the first charity group to visit and provide support. The flood had taken a devastating toll – his kitchen appliances, electrical goods, and motorcycle were all damaged. The over 100 chilli plants outside his home – his source of income – were also destroyed. A volunteer gently patted his shoulder in encouragement. In that moment, empathy spoke louder than words. Over two days (February 8 and 9), volunteers traversed the flood-hit areas and covered nearly 5,400 affected households in Bintulu and Miri. More than just recording names and details, each visit was an opportunity to help. Their presence conveyed a clear message: “You are not alone. We are here for you.” Love beyond financial assistance On February 5, flooding also struck Keningau, Sabah, leaving the town centre and nearby villages covered in thick mud. As affected residents had no access to clean water and electricity, volunteers delivered hot meals and arranged for 24,500 litres of clean water to be sent to the hardest-hit areas, speeding up the clean-up for affected families. Soon after, they began the registration process for financial aid. On February 22 and 23, two weeks after completing the registration, Tzu Chi held five relief distribution ceremonies across Bintulu, Miri, and Keningau, benefitting 2,344 affected Around 400 volunteers visited affected areas in Bintulu, Miri, and Keningau, registering households and offering care. [Photo by Choong Keat Yee] Watch the video: