As I write, the flood situation in the East Coast of Malaysia has improved. Monsoon months at the end of every year were expected but the intensity and severity of nature’s strength in December 2014 were unpredicted by many. The devastating memories will be etched in everyone’s mind for years to come. Houses were swept away and towns were left inundated, loss of lives and the insurmountable damage to the livelihood of the flood victims were some of the things that I can describe here.

These are a few things which I learned from the disaster:-

1. Family Matters The Most
My brothers, sisters and their families live in the east coast and were affected by the raging waters. When all communication was cut off from them and efforts made to trace them failed, we spent days and nights praying for their safety. At that point of time nothing else mattered but them. My youngest brother was one of them, and my last words to him before the flood were not pleasant. How I wished I could turn the clock and told him how much I cared for him instead. My elder sister was a stroke victim and bed-ridden. When we finally managed to trace her at one of the crowded flood-relief centers, her condition was already at a distress state. One of my grown-up nieces is single and staying alone after her mother (my sister) died. When the water level kept rising, so did my maternal anxiety and I was reminded of my late sister’s trust in me. In the face of adversity I realized that differences among family members are petty stuffs.

(I am glad to inform that all my family members and relatives in the east coast are safe and sound).

2. The Unsung Heroes
Rescuers from the military, police, fire and rescue department, doctors, nurses and relief workers sacrificed their lives to help the flood victims. They showed tenacity and courage in the face of adversity and used every trick in the book to provide crucial aid to the flood victims. They put the lives and safety of others before theirs. They are the unsung heroes and deserve all the accolades after the flood.

3. NGOs and Volunteer Groups
They are the pillar of hopes. NGOs and volunteer groups worked relentlessly to deliver food, medical supplies, drinking water and food to the evacuees. The NGOs and volunteer groups from all walks of life rallied around to collect, donate, co-ordinate and deliver the essential items for the flood-relief missions. They demonstrate the concept of collaboration at its best.

4. Millennial Groups
The aftermath of the flood showed that majority of the volunteer workers were young men and women including students from local universities. They came in droves to, among others, help the victims, clean and rebuild the houses, schools and buildings which were sunk in mud after the water receded. They proved their critique wrong by showing that their generations are made up from responsible, hard-working and compassionate young men and women.

5. Money Can Buy Happiness
As the flood worsened in the east coast, aid poured in from fellow Malaysians in terms of clothing, food, essential items, medical supplies and vehicles to transport the aid. Their generosity is indescribable. One undeniable fact is the flood victims need money to rebuild their houses and lives after the water receded. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, I believe this is where the argument whether money can buy happiness is laid to a rest. In worst-struck areas where their livelihood has been reduced in rubble or swept away to the sea, the victims need money to rebuild their lives. Well, the Government has announced that they need more than RM800 million to help rebuild the affected states. On a personal basis, when we went back to Kelantan recently to distribute our “zakat” money (“alms”) to family members and volunteer workers, we witnessed how small donations lit up their faces.

My observations are based on my personal experience and thoughts. There are many other points which emerged from the submerged including the ugly sides of mankind. It is better that all negativity and finger-pointing be submerged in the flood water.

Human spirit will always triumph over all adversities.

(*Photo credit: a partially submerged house in Tanah Merah, our neighbouring area. Picture taken from whatsapp group)