Flood victims at Stapok Community Hall in Kuching.
SIGHS of relief and expressions of cheer were heard when a team from The Salvation Army Kuching Corps visited Stapok Community Hall, one of 17 flood evacuation centres in Kuching.
Incessant rain caused flash floods in several low-lying neighbourhoods in Kuching.
The rain is expected to continue for several more days.
The Salvation Army distributed noodles, rice, eggs, Milo, towels, biscuits, packet drinks and face masks.
Children at the hall were also given snacks to cheer them up.
According to the Welfare Department’s records, 207 people or 58 families are seeking temporary shelter at the location.
The families also required food as cooking was not allowed at the evacuation centres in compliance with the department’s standard operating procedures.
The kitchen crew cooking and packing chicken porridge for distribution.
So The Salvation Army returned the next day with chicken porridge for the evacuees’ lunch and dinner.
Food aid was also distributed in the flooded Kampung Kudei, a village on Green Road.
Villagers said they were unable to evacuate due to the Covid-19 pandemic and were advised to remain on the top floors of their houses, while they waited for further assistance and for the floodwaters to subside.
They were also unable to buy groceries as the floodwaters prevented them from heading outside.
The Salvation Army Kuching Corps officer Captain Raymond Rubi Aloba said evacuation centres could not accommodate too many people because of the pandemic risks.
“In addition to food and water, people seeking temporary shelter at the centres also require face masks and hand sanitisers to ensure they protect themselves from the virus.
“They are also at risk of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera as the floodwaters may carry those diseases, so cleanliness is essential, ” he said.
The Salvation Army hopes that individuals and corporations will donate essentials to lighten the load of the flood victims when they return to their respective homes.
Among the essentials needed are cleaning tools (bleach, cleaning detergent, mop, broom, shovel and rubber gloves), stationery, school uniforms, school bags and shoes (for primary and secondary school students), groceries (rice, noodles, cooking oil, canned food and biscuits), mineral water, disposable face masks (for children and adults) and hand sanitisers.
All items must be in good condition and delivered to The Salvation Army Kuching Corps & Community Services at Sekama Road.
Cash donations can be made via direct banking to The Salvation Army, Maybank account number 500511960365.
Send a copy of the transaction receipt to kuching.corps@smm.salvationarmy.org with the header “KUCHING FLOOD 2021” to obtain a tax-exempt receipt.
For details, call Capt Raymond at 082-333 981 or e-mail kuching.corps@smm.salvationarmy.org.
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