The world of Tzu Chi June 2025 (Vol.154)

2025 • 06 10 Among the residents was Rusman, an Indonesian national who fled barefoot with his wife and housemates, leaping into a river to escape the unbearable heat. Along the way, they assisted an elderly couple hesitant to enter the water as they were unable to swim. Though he was exhausted and lost his valuables in the chaos, Rusman expressed no regret. “We’re all human, and we should help each other,” he said simply. Reaching the severely affected residents From April 9, volunteers entered the hardest-hit Putra Harmoni and completed aid registration for 132 affected households. Another registration mission took place on April 13, in the severely affected areas of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru. That morning, an 81-member team arrived at the entry point, only to be advised by police to postpone due to ongoing large-scale clean-up efforts. Undeterred, about 40 volunteers, who could stay on, returned to carry out the mission in the afternoon. Despite a drizzle, the volunteers pressed on, visiting homes one by one, clad in raincoats or carrying umbrellas. By day’s end, 127 households had been visited and registered. For the volunteers, time was of the essence as help must arrive without delay. Relief for the body and soul On April 20, three sessions of a relief distribution ceremony were held at the Tzu Chi USJ Community Centre, where financial aid was extended to 226 households that had suffered moderate to severe damage. Before the ceremony, volunteers reached out through text messages and phone calls, ensuring every beneficiary was informed. One of the recipients, Andy Voo, had been living temporarily with his sister while placing his elderly dog in an animal medical centre. He recalled feeling distressed and lost in the A smile says it all. Tzu Chi volunteers brought comfort to those whose days were dimmed by the explosion. [Photo by Yap En Han]