Personal support: Ong (left) giving moral support to evacuees at a flood relief centre in Terengganu.
PETALING JAYA: Mothers without diapers for their young kids. Elderly couples in distress.
That’s part of the scenario in Terengganu where heavy rains have lashed down mercilessly and submerged homes.
“Women don’t even have diapers for their toddlers. Some women also lack sanitary products. So, we got them sanitary products, diapers, food and other necessities,” said Terengganu MCA chief Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew.
For some families, it was their third time having to put up in an evacuation centre since the monsoon season began last month, she said when contacted.
“We met an elderly couple, their faces etched with worry. Their children live far away. They are terrified about the damage to their home. They feel utterly helpless.”
Ong said she consoled them, assuring them that she and her team would help them with the cleaning up.
The situation is particularly dire this year.
“The intensity of the rainfall and the prolonged flooding have made it one of the most challenging situations we have faced recently.
“Entire communities have been displaced. Basic infrastructure like roads and power supply has been impacted,” said Ong.
Besides distributing food and other necessary items, Ong said they are also collaborating with fire and rescue teams to evacuate those trapped by the floods.
“We’re using drones to monitor road conditions and optimise rescue missions.
“This technology has significantly improved rescue efficiency, ensuring swift and effective transportation of supplies and victims,” she added.
