Southern Malaysia has recently experienced flooding. Now the floodwaters are gradually receding, and the first priority is to clean up homes quickly. At the same time, Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) has set up a medical station in Batu Pahat, Johor to provide timely treatment to flood victims who are sick or injured.

Many Tzu Chi volunteers came to assist the people affected by the disaster to clean up their homes. (Image from Da Ai TV; 2023/3) 
After the flood, yellow mud covered the houses. A Tzu Chi documentary volunteer is shooting footage of other Tzu Chi volunteers helping with the clean-up. (Image from Da Ai TV; 2023/3) 

Treat Pain Quickly

The floods left devastation. In mid-March, Tzu Chi volunteers worked together with the victims to clean up their homes. Some accidentally were injured; TIMA doctors provided immediate treatment. Among those treated was volunteer Chen Wen-shi (陳文獅), who strained his foot while working and had difficulty walking. The medical staff quickly treated his pain.

Careful Preparation

Dr. Cai Mei-ping (蔡美萍) of TIMA said: "Currently, we have first aid kits, and, considering the needs of the victims, we also brought medication for chronic diseases. The flood may have washed away their medications, so we have prepared these backups for diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions. The most common problem after a flood is diarrhea, so we have also prepared medication for that."

Dr. Liao Jinhui (left) and Dr. Cai Meiping (right) from Tzu Chi International Medical Association. (Image from Da Ai TV; 2023/3) 

Tzu Chi Cares for You

Health conditions in the disaster area are poor, and many people have developed skin problems. Muscle soreness is very common. Flood victim Casturiis developed a swollen knee after standing all day to clean her house. Someone told her about the free clinic, enabling her to see a doctor for treatment.

Dr. Liao Jin-hui (廖晉輝) of TIMA said that, due to long-term immersion in water, some people had developed skin itching and other problems.

The station not only provided medical services but also psychological support to the victims. Dr. Liao said: "We are here to bring them care and comfort, to let them feel that at least someone cares about them."

Dr. Cai Meiping (middle) is treating Yu Yangsheng (right). Yu deeply sighed and said: "I never thought there would be so many kind-hearted people in the world." (Image from Da Ai TV; 2023/3) 

Flood victim Yu Yang-sheng (余養生) deeply sighed and said: "I never thought there would be so many kind-hearted people in the world who are willing to help in this situation, and we don't even have to provide them with food and drink. I can't believe it myself because I am over 70 years old and have never seen such kind people before. This is the first time."

A Jing Si Aphorism says: “Provide timely relief to those in distress after a disaster. Purify the human heart and actively prevent disasters.”

Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread love all over the world.

Story by documentary volunteers: Xie Jiu-ling, Chen Ji-ting, Wu Shuai, and Dai Jia-bi from Malaysia