While the world saw a glimpse of hope, the people of Malaysia saw their worst wear come true. The Malaysians fought valiantly against COVID-19 and controlled the virus to an applaudable extent.
While this control could be brought through lockdowns and citizens’ awareness, what they couldn't anticipate and stop was the natural calamity caused in the last month of a year worth forgetting. When were the Malaysia Floods?It was in the early December of 2020 that the floods of Malaysia were first reported. These floods were first reported to be nothing more than common rains but swiftly the situation turned and the rains started pouring down heavily. At the end of the rainy season, the drizzling rain did not seem to stop.
Locals initially thought that this might be because of climatic changes but it was soon to be found pouring down. Through time, people realised that waterlogging had initiated and in no time Malaysia was beaming with the possibility of facing yet another flood in a span of 5-6years. As powerful winds and waves from the South China Sea pummelled the shores of Johor, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has given warnings to ships.
At least eleven people have died and more than 10,000 have been evacuated in more than a decade in the deadliest flood to strike Malaysia. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, the worst-hit areas are along the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. Kota Baru city has been especially hard hit. The EvacuationWith the news of the downstream and floods spreading, the forecast department were quick to anticipate the situation and help the government to take swift actions.
Three rivers in the south had gone past their danger levels and hence the government and people there started evacuating the cities and all the nearby areas saving and carrying whatever life-essential goods they could.
The flood had crowded out the city and the streets had knee-deep water. Some reports even say that the water submerged their car’s tyres. The swift decision of mankind and quick evacuation has allowed the citizens of Malaysia to save innumerable lives.
A total of 50,250 people were evacuated from the southern region and the casualties are still now completely taken into count. Though it is believed that a lot of people went through the gruesome tides of the flood and are missing ever since.
People in certain cities have even started returning home after receiving green light for their safe stay. A Glimpse of HopeIn recent times, the hard-hit flood has been settling down and the natives have started heading back to their houses. Through the government and various NGOs, there have been about 100 relief centres set up for the refugees to rush to and find a safe space with shelter.
The authorities are working without blinking to try and save each and every citizen. Forces have reached to building basements and to the terrace of skyrise buildings. The government has planned a targeted lockdown to force people to stay in and not suffer deadly fate.
The floods have caused even more havoc since COVID-19 pathogens can also travel through water and hence there are growing chances that people coming in contact with the contaminated water get affected by the deadly virus. Citizens able enough to walk and provide assistance have taken upon themselves to help the locals. Many have come out of their safe evacuation centres and have gone from door to door trying to rescue people who got stuck.
People have shown immense gratitude to the government for helping them in every way possible and are trying to restore their country back to its glory. In such trying times, the Malaysians have kept faith in their leaders and shown bright to give hopes.
While relief teams have been dispatched, it is the presence of mind from the locals and the government that has saved countless lives. The situation seems to have taken a turn towards good but what is to come, only time will tell.
Written by - Nandita Singh
Edited by - Christeena George | 
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