As floods decimate homes in Shah Alam and Klang, some residents recall the horror of watching their cars, homes and possessions sink into the unforgiving waters.
More than 50,000 people have been displaced by the floods that have been dubbed the “worst in 100 years”.
These floods were caused by torrential rain in many states of Peninsular Malaysia over the weekend which exposed harsh weather patterns caused by climate change and poor infrastructure and readiness to handle an extreme outcome.
It has opened up conversations about climate change, disaster planning and leading more sustainable lives.
In response to urgent calls for help, FreeMakan, together with UPLIFT (Pertubuhan Bangkit) and the BAC Education Group launched the Klang Valley Flood Relief Campaign, in efforts to reach out to flood victims.
Team Uplift and a group of staff volunteers from the BAC Education Group set out to deliver the first set of essential items on 21st December, and the first displacement centre the team visited was SJK(T) Ladang Emerald. 500 flood victims have been seeking shelter and safety at this location since the flood hit, and ready-to-eat food and drinks for them to snack on like bananas, buns, mineral water, Milo and soybean boxed drinks were distributed.
The team also managed to procure medical supplies including 30 units of big gauze and bandages, 20 units of 10cc syringes, 3 boxes of gloves, 3 big bottles of iodine, two scissors, 15 CPE gowns and 5 boxes of 3 ply masks for medical officers and volunteers who are attending to victims needing medical attention.
Team Uplift volunteer and BAC staff, Mr. Kumar Nagalingam has been paying frequent visits to the Sri Muda and SJK(T) Ladang Emerald displacement centres, assessing the immediate needs of flood victims, and has been sharing photos and the experiences of families affected by the floods.
Among those seeking shelter at the school were Suryani, a young mother, who had to break open the roof of her house to be rescued, along with her 3-year-old son Muhammad Arfan. Another victim, Satya, together with her daughter Jayshree and elderly mother had to go through the same ordeal.
Another family at the centre, Mogana and her 3 children had to flee their home as water levels started rising. Her single-storey house and car is completely submerged in flood waters, the same as shared by Mogana Priya, who had no choice but to leave her home with her dog for safety reasons.
These were just some of the many stories heard by Mr. Kumar, as he made his rounds at the displacement centres.
Suryani & her 3-year-old son
Mogana Priya with her dog Bruno.
Mogana & her children
Since the launch of the Klang Valley Flood Relief Campaign, kind-hearted individuals have been dropping by Brickfields Asia College PJ Campus to drop off essential goods for flood victims. Students, staff and volunteers too have been tirelessly working hand-in-hand, so food aid and support can reach victims quicker.
In the next few days, Team Uplift will continue efforts to deliver more essentials to those in need at several relief centres. If you would like to collaborate or volunteer with flood relief efforts, you can visit Asia Heroes, a platform created to connect active volunteers to inspiring causes. The team now needs volunteers for cleaning efforts, food distribution and packing of essential items to be delivered to relief centres across the Klang Valley.
You can also help by donating to:
PERTUBUHAN BANGKIT (UPLIFT ORGANIZATION)
Bank: Maybank
Account Number: 564342627846
For bank transfers, please indicate “Klang Valley Flood Relief” and send us proof of donation to Moo on 014-2315528.
