From 14 December 2021, a tropical depression made landfall on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. For three days, torrential rain covered the whole Peninsular. The government described the disaster as a "once-in-a-century" disaster, claimed at least 37 lives, left ten people missing, and displaced more than 68,000 people. This seemingly endless disaster has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas season for Malaysians.
The floods have left the people of the affected areas in dire straits and a state of poverty. Due to the topography of Malaysia, natural disaster is rare. As a result, the Malaysian people lack experience dealing with natural disasters, leaving our country short of human resources and aids. There are three standard processes for flooding: before, during, and after the catastrophe. Below are some tips I will share with you to deal with flooding.
BEFORE the Flood
It would be best if you understand your flood risk. Start by finding out if you live in a vulnerable area to flooding. If so, you can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Make an evacuation plan. The plan should include the location you and your family plan to go to and the actions taken to protect yourself and your family from the flood. This plan is critical to reducing the anxiety and fear of flooding. Remember, by saving for the rainy days, and you can avoid the worst!
Step 2: Know and Use the safest route to your intended destination, avoiding blocking roads by flooding. Remember to turn off all electrical appliances, power, and gas in your home before you leave to prevent other accidents such as electric shock and explosion.
Step 3: Gather supplies. It is essential to have food, water, cleaning supplies, flashlights with batteries and matches or lighters, essential medicines, and others ready to go in advance. Also, remember to keep crucial documents and possessions in sealed containers and keep them in a safe place.
DURING the Flood
Check if you are in a flooded area and if so, follow these steps：
Keep up to date with information about your area through radio, television, and emergency alert stations. Flooding can cause flash floods, so don't sit on your hands and move to higher ground immediately.
Obey any emergency orders issued by the authorities.
Get out as soon as possible before the floodwater becomes deeper to avoid trapping in flooded cars during the evacuation process. Remember, do not drive through water or obstacles. If your car stalls while in motion, immediately get out of the vehicle and move to higher ground.
AFTER the Flood
What should you do after the flood:
Listen and be aware of the latest announcements on radio and TV.
Do not return to the disaster area until you have received advice from the authorities.
Check your properties and belongings first when you get home, and be careful of broken items and cracks.
Check your electricity and water supply to ensure everything is okay before turning them on.
Clear your home of all affected appliances, food, and drinks.
If necessary, help your neighbors.
In the aftermath of the floods, all regions are suffering. Faced with a shortage of resources, people in all states took it upon themselves to rescue the victims. Some went to the disaster areas, while others donated essential goods and funds to help the victims overcome the flood. However, often relief workers are unable to set up distributions channels, causing the waste of the donations. Therefore, with the help of the media and the volunteer community, the contributions can be coordinated more effectively, including liaising with local authorities to set a suitable time accepting donations from the public, arranging collection points, and providing drivers, transportation, and unloading services.
Let's hold hands, and we can work this out.
Although the government has not yet lifted the rainstorm warning, we can see many heart-warming people and stories from this disaster in Malaysia. Put aside race, color, and religion, rescue our fellow countrymen from the flood without discrimination. Let's hold hands, and we can work this out.
Comments