IT has been 30 years since such massive flooding hit the country. At some point in the last 24 hours, the total number of evacuees had already breached 100,000 throughout Malaysia. Despite the reduction in Terengganu, elsewhere, it is a different story. Floodwaters are rising and at an evacuation centre — a school — the two lower floors are already under water. Any worse and it will be the roof and then airlifts to safer relief centres. Kelantan is totally cut off by land. What is making things especially difficult are the swift currents of floodwaters making rescue boats untenable. In Kelantan, the Royal Malaysian Air Force is forced to resort to winching to distribute food and other necessities because of severe weather conditions. There is, too, a report that the Kuala Krai Hospital is stranded in rising waters and depleting supplies. In fact, hospitals in Kelantan — where the Northeast Monsoon has always been fiercest — are facing the worrying prospect of where to evacuate patients.
Given the severity of the floods, standard preparations by the National Security Council appears inadequate and the deputy prime minister has promised to provide all necessary assets and aid to ensure the safety and food security of victims. The prime minister, who was overseas and received constant updates on the flood situation, is returning home ahead of schedule as flood conditions worsened. All signs are that things might get worse before they get better. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall in several more states as we approach the New Year. Selangor, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur will not be spared. In Perak, the number of evacuees has risen to 6,000.
Prior to it being the worst annual flooding in 30 years, it was said to be the worst in two decades. If the weather pattern remains more severe when compared with previous monsoon seasons, this estimate could drastically change. What if it turns out to be the worst ever floods and inundate more than the traditional flood-prone areas? Already the New Year celebrations are off the table. AmBank’s “Ambang Tahun Baru” programme has been cancelled in sympathy with the flood victims and the Federal Territories minister has asked the organiser to channel the sponsorships worth some RM3 million to flood relief. Jazz musicians are planning a concert to raise money for flood victims and volunteers are heading out to the flood-stricken areas. Even the opposition are mobilising.
National solidarity is much needed and it is just not the time to make political capital of any situation on any account. The country must mobilise in anticipation of a national disaster so that even nature can be frustrated. Malaysians who can give must contribute their money and time. This is when the private sector can fulfil its corporate social responsibility. For, the government agencies responsible are already fully extended and official resources stretched. Before the limits are reached, civil society organisations must extend a helping hand.