FLOODS WREAK HAVOC, LEAVING DESTRUCTION AND DEEP EMOTIONAL IMPACT

KUCHING, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Floods not only wreak havoc, destroying property but also leave a deep emotional impact on those affected.

This was the sentiment shared by flood victim Mohd Shafik Sebi, 38, from Kampung Tebakang Melayu, located about 69 kilometres from the city, after the village was hit by floods on Jan 28.

“We feel the impact of this flood deeply. It causes significant emotional distress and heavy losses for the local community, who remain resilient despite the hardship,” he said.

Recalling the day, he noted that by around 10 am, the floodwaters rose rapidly due to continuous heavy rain, causing Sungai Tebakang to overflow. 

Mohd Shafik and his family scrambled to secure their valuables and move furniture to higher ground, but the floodwaters surged so swiftly that many of their belongings were lost.

"This flood was unusual. It took nearly four days to recede. Many of our belongings were destroyed after being submerged for so long," he said sorrowfully.

He explained that the hardship was not just about material losses but also the challenges of obtaining aid for the families who could not evacuate to temporary relief centres (PPS) at the time.

"We couldn’t move to a PPS because they were already full. The currents were also too strong, making it unsafe for us to leave.

"We hope the government will distribute aid to all affected victims, regardless of whether they evacuated or not, because many in our village have suffered greatly from this disaster," he said, filled with hope.

Shafik estimated his losses to be between RM5,000 and RM8,000, mainly due to damaged furniture and electrical appliances. 

-- BERNAMA