The world of Tzu Chi June 2025 (Vol.154)
TZU CHI 154 09 which had opened its doors as a temporary relief centre. They quickly set to work by setting up partitions, organising supplies, and distributing daily necessities. Foldable beds and wheelchairs were also dispatched from the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall to support the evacuees. Among those seeking refuge was Sharifah, who struggled to recount her harrowing escape. Volunteer Ma Lay Hwa stood quietly by her side, listening attentively. When Sharifah finished talking, Lay Hwa embraced her and said, “Thankfully, everyone is safe. That’s what matters most.” Those simple words brought tears to Sharifah’s eyes, releasing the emotions she had been holding back. She had initially thought it was a plane crash, only to run outside and see flames towering into the sky and thick smoke engulfing the air. Though her family managed to escape, her husband was hospitalised with severe burns, while she sustained second-degree burns on her left arm. Volunteers continued their efforts late into the night, wrapping up their initial relief work only past midnight. Holistic support for survivors In the days that followed, volunteers continued their presence at the relief centre, providing companionship and lending a listening ear to survivors still reeling from the trauma. On the nights of April 2 and 3, Tan Soh Kict, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), visited the relief centre to offer acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha therapy. These treatments helped ease symptoms like coughing, insomnia, dizziness, and post- traumatic stress. “I finally slept through the night,” shared Halimah Mohamed, who had struggled with sleeplessness since the incident. Grateful for the care, she expressed her thanks to Soh Kict, who responded humbly, “In times of disaster, love from society is essential. I’m deeply grateful to Tzu Chi for the opportunity to serve at their Free Clinic before starting my own practice. Hence, whenever I’m needed, I’ll be there.” Learning from Taiwan counterparts Three days after the explosion, the Tzu Chi KL & Selangor team held a virtual meeting with their counterparts in Taiwan, who had responded to the Kaohsiung gas explosion. Drawing from their experiences, the local team decided to begin outreach in surrounding areas while awaiting clearance to enter the most severely affected zones. They swiftly mobilised and coordinated with residents’ associations and village heads to gain access to affected zones. Meanwhile, at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall, volunteers assembled 500 blessing packages, each containing halal- certified food, face masks, a Tzu Chi publication, a blessing card, and a bamboo bank. More than just material supplies, these packages conveyed heartfelt support and care. Offering comfort door-to-door On April 6, a large-scale home visit was carried out in the mildly to moderately affected areas of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and Kampung Tengah. A total of 239 volunteers, divided into 36 teams, visited more than 400 households. The air still carried the smell of burnt debris. Scorched trees, shattered windows, and partially melted vehicles bore witness to the devastation. Though most residents did not suffer heavy material losses, the emotional toll was visible. From door to door, volunteers delivered blessing packages and, more importantly, moments of peace through their sincere presence.
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