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

TZU CHI 154 33 “Seeing the food and relief funds prepared by the volunteers brought me great comfort. I no longer feel so alone,” said Uma Devi, her voice choked with emotion. After watching footage of the recent floods in East Malaysia, Uma reflected, “Compared to them, I’m very fortunate. My family is safe. I only lost material things.” Inspired, she pledged to join the ranks of volunteers and pay the kindness forward once she regains stability. The storm returned, so did Tzu Chi On March 11, another storm struck a different part of Sekinchan, tearing off roofs and flooding several areas. Volunteers mobilised again to conduct home visits and register affected households, followed by a relief distribution for 20 households on March 15. “The roof rumbled loudly and then in a moment, it was gone. Rain came pouring in, and my three-year-old grandchild burst into tears,” recalled Kee Siew Chew. She never expected strangers to show up at her damaged home with kindness and support. Moved upon learning that the relief funds came from public donations, she adopted a bamboo bank. “I want my grandchild to learn about charity and grow up planting seeds of compassion in his heart,” she said. During the ceremony, an environmental awareness video prompted deep reflection among attendees. “It turns out that extreme weather is closely linked to how we live,” Lee Luan Ngo shared. She pledged to start practising waste sorting at home and donate the proceeds to help others. “Every little bit counts as a good deed. I hope my effort can help ease the Earth’s burden.” Awake-up call These two violent storms were unusual for Sekinchan. They were like nature’s warning. Behind such climate events lies the Earth’s silent response to human lifestyle choices. In the face of intensifying climate change, we must not only improve disaster response but also awaken a deeper awareness—a renewed sense of responsibility and love for our planet. After the storms have passed, may we cherish peacemore deeply, livemoremindfully, and each do our part to protect the Earth. Sekinchan, a fishing and farming village, was devastated by storms twice in five days, prompting swift volunteer response with aid and support.