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

2025 • 06 32 ocal News After the Sekinchan Storms KL & Selangor I 06–15.03.2025 By Loo Huei Yau & Low Hai Loon Translated by Lee Hung Jiew Photo by Wong Yoke Chee O n March 6, residents of Sekinchan were jolted awake as a sudden storm swept through their community. Outside their windows, power lines swayed violently and roof tiles flew like scattered leaves. Ranni, a resident for over 30 years, rushed to the window upon hearing a loud noise outside, only to see a whirlwind heading towards her home. “I was terrified,” she recalled, “I never imagined something we usually only see on television could happen here.” Shaken, she ran upstairs to wake her sleeping son, bringing him to safety, while her husband tried desperately to hold the front door against the howling winds. Within moments, half the door was ripped open, forcing the couple to cling to pillars. Ranni’s elderly mother-in-law, with limited mobility, could only remain on her bed as the storm roared past. The storm lasted about a minute, but for Ranni, it felt like an eternity. “All I could think of was survival. I was overwhelmed with helplessness and fear, as if everything was about to end,” she recalled. When the storm finally passed, she discovered that their roof was gone. Rain poured in, soaking clothes and bedding, leaving their once-safe home in disarray. Swift response Upon learning of the storm’s destruction, Tzu Chi volunteer Tan Siew Lan immediately took leave from work and gathered four fellow volunteers to conduct site visits before reporting the situation to Tzu Chi’s emergency response platform. “Some houses were near total loss. Furniture, appliances, clothing, and household items were swept away. Some children didn’t even have basic school supplies left,” Siew Lan reported. Without delay, the team began registering affected households and planning aid distribution. Siew Lan also enlisted a Tamil- speaking friend to help with official documents and communication with affected residents seeking shelter at a Tamil primary school. Bringing comfort Three days after the storm, volunteers from Sekinchan and Klang formed four teams to escort residents back to their homes for detailed damage assessments. “You can’t tell from the outside, but once you step inside, you understand what ‘total loss’ really means,” said volunteer Lim Mei Lian. That same day, a relief distribution ceremony was held at the Tzu Chi Sekinchan Community Centre. Volunteers introduced Tzu Chi and read aloud a letter of consolation from Master Cheng Yen. As the song “One Family” played, volunteers gently handed over relief funds to the families, offering not only financial assistance but also emotional support. Watch the videos: