PETALING JAYA: This year’s devastating floods have showcased stories of not just the heroes who come to the rescue, but of the resilience, selflessness and kindness of ordinary victims and volunteers.
At their height so far this year, the floods forced about 80,000 residents in eight states to leave their homes and head for relief centres, the worst hit being Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
Some recount how they survived such a harrowing event by relying on the kindness of their neighbours, while others took to TikTok to plead for help.
Relief volunteer Ameera Hasnan relies on a tried-and-tested strategy to stay healthy and to stave off infections that can come from wading in murky water all day long.
“It’s a daily routine I developed while volunteering – soaking my feet and fingers in warm water with salt and lime after I finish my duties, to prevent myself from falling ill from being in floodwaters,” the 27-year-old said when contacted.
Ameera and her group of friends have been volunteering to help flood victims since the floods that submerged half of Shah Alam in 2021.
Her “foot spa” is one of the many strategies that people who either experience or help out in floods have developed to cope with this natural disaster that continues to affect tens of thousands this time of year.
Pre-emptive measure: Rosdi Abdullah walking on a gangway he built in November (top) in preparation for floods at his home in Pasir Mas, Kelantan. The 2m-high path allowed him and his family to avoid wading in floodwaters when their home was inundated in December. — Bernama
This year, Ameera and her friends are helping out in Kelantan while last year, the group was based in Pahang.
They mainly help residents move appliances and furniture when the waters rise and later return to help them clean their homes.
Although the sight of people’s homes being damaged by floodwaters and later caked in thick layers of mud is saddening, Ameera says there are still light-hearted moments.
“Helping during floods comes with many memories, not just sadness. There were moments when my team and I were ‘dancing around’ after spotting snakes and rats”.
One of her teammates, Faizul Aman, 23, relies on his childhood and teenage memories of dealing with floods as a source of strength.
“Floods have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Faizul, who grew up in flood-prone Sungai Lembing, Pahang, and is now living in Kelantan where he is studying art.
So when most of Kelantan started going underwater two weeks ago, he sprang into action with his group to help the elderly and affected families save their belongings.
When the waters receded, he would help residents clean out their homes.
“It’s exhausting work but no one should have to go through it alone,” he said.
In Kampung Padang Setebu, Hulu Terengganu, 71-year-old Mohd Hanafiah Omar opened the doors of his modest home to 30 of his neighbours whose houses had been inundated.
Among them was Mastura Abu Bakar, 41, who told Mingguan Malaysia that this year’s flood submerged their entire village.
“Only houses on higher ground were spared. Thankfully, Mohd Hanafiah welcomed us into his home,” said Mastura.
Mohd Hanafiah, whose house is one of those on higher ground, said, “Our village is small, and we are like one big family. It was the least I could do.”
Social media has become an unlikely lifeline and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is actively monitoring platforms like TikTok for real-time updates and calls for assistance, Sinar Ahad reported.
“In previous cases, victims broadcast live on social media while trapped. We will verify and respond immediately,” said Kedah APM deputy director Major (PA) Muhammad Suhaimi Mohd Zain.
A TikTok user named @fizahafiza758, posted videos comparing her experience this year with the floods of 2022.
That year, the water reached her knees, allowing her to cook at home, but this time around, with waters rising rapidly, she resorted to cooking on a makeshift boat outside her home.
Meanwhile, the country is bracing for a second wave of floods with continuous rainfall warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
It forecast that a monsoon surge from Dec 8-14 could bring prolonged rainfall and trigger flooding in low-lying areas.
However, MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the surge is not expected to be as intense as the previous one.
As of yesterday evening, the Info Bencana portal by the Social Welfare Department reported 836 flood victims from 256 families are seeking shelter in flood-relief centres, a significant drop from the 3,594 individuals reported in morning.
Kedah reported the highest number of victims at 352 from 92 families, followed by Johor with 225 victims from 66 families and Kelantan with 111 victims from 48 families.
Perak and Melaka recorded 131 victims (45 families) and 17 victims (five families), respectively.
So far, 17 temporary evacuation centres remain operational.
