In early March this year, severe floods struck the southern part of Malaysia. Tzu Chi volunteers went to evacuation centers to distribute items to help people rest and regain the strength to rebuild their homes.

Respectfully, A Tzu Chi volunteer gives a towel and a mat to an affected woman. (Photo provided by Tzu Chi Foundation; 2023) 

Floods in Malaysia Spread to Six States

The rainy season in Malaysia lasts from October to March. This year continuous heavy rain has caused severe flooding in six states, including Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Sarawak.

While heavy rainfall during the northeast monsoon season is common in Malaysia, in recent years the rainy season has resulted in severe disasters because human activities have damaged the environment.

In early March this year, severe floods occurred in the southern part of Malaysia. (Photo provided by Tzu Chi Foundation; 2023) 

Deforestation

Large-scale deforestation to develop land has taken place in Malaysia. This has resulted in the loss of nearly 17% of the country's forest area since 2001. Additionally, a lack of flood prevention infrastructure has left Malaysia ill-equipped to cope with the impact of disasters. When heavy rain strikes, the flooding that results can be catastrophic because there is not enough time to drain the water.

Johor, the southernmost state of Malaysia, has been the worst-hit area this time. More than 40,000 people have been evacuated and over 200 shelters set up to accommodate the affected population.

In early March this year, severe floods occurred in the southern part of Malaysia. (Photo provided by Tzu Chi Foundation; 2023) 

Distribution and Caring

Hearing the news, Tzu Chi volunteers in Batu Pahat and Johor Bahru in Johor went to evacuation centers to show their care and concern. They brought towels and mats for the affected people to help them rest and regain the strength to rebuild their homes.

While extreme weather is the main cause of disasters, human factors exacerbate the situation, making environmental protection an urgent task. Since the flood, many private organizations have extended their help -- the love and support from all sectors of society are the greatest force for rebuilding homes.

Tzu Chi volunteers deliver towels and mats to help residents through this difficult time. (Photo provided by Tzu Chi Foundation; 2023) 
A Jing Si Aphorism says: “Climate change disasters are already looming, and people's awareness needs to be raised quickly. In our daily lives, every action must be considered in terms of protecting the environment; it is not enough to just have good intentions, we must make an effort to put them into action.”

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