Flood relief journey cut short by submerged road
MIRI: A group of 20 volunteers from Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation on their way to distribute flood relief items did not reach their destination in Long Jegan after the road was flooded.
Sharing his experience, one of the volunteers Dennis Yee told The Borneo Post that after travelling more than several hours to reach a longhouse in Long Jegan, the group could not proceed further as the road was flooded.
“Initially, we took off from Miri at about 9.30am in a convoy of five four- wheel- drive ( 4WD) vehicles filled with bread, cakes and drinking water meant for the affected families.
“However, hours later we were forced to stop as the road we took was under four feet of murky water.
“So we took a detour to Lapok hoping to take the ferry, only to be surprised with the expensive ferry fare,” Yee said.
As they were running out of time, the group headed to Beluru District Office to ask about the condition of the longhouses and their urgent needs.
Despite unable to reach their destination, Tzu Chi was happy to be able to hand over the food items to Beluru District Office for further distribution to the affected families.
Yee thanked a local bakery for sponsoring 200 vegetarian buns and cakes, and to another anonymous sponsor who paid for the drinking water.
Being a charitable body helping those in need, Tzu Chi members actively assist those affected by disasters as well as hardcore poor families.
“Tzu Chi Miri is channelling financial support to 75 hardcore poor families.
“Of course, a constant monthly visit will be conducted by our volunteers to monitor their situation and if their financial status improves, Tzu Chi will stop the monthly donations,” he said.
Those in need of financial support could also contact Tzu Chi Miri office at 0850- 66 00 13.
“We will pay a visit and conduct a background check before deciding on whether they are eligible for monthly donations,” Yee added.