| |
|
The Devastating Impact of Floods |
|
|
In recent decades, the issue of flooding has become a recurring nightmare for
residents in the east coast states of Malaysia. History records the occurrence
of a major flood in 2014, which claimed many lives. Flooding is one of the
natural disasters that frequently occurs in our country, often due to human
actions. As a result of this disaster, various negative consequences are faced
by the affected communities. The question is, what are the adverse effects of
these natural disasters?
One of the most heartbreaking and emotional impacts of flooding is the loss of
loved ones. Sudden floods often cause children to innocently play in the
floodwaters with their friends, unaware of the lurking danger. This situation,
where tragedy strikes unexpectedly, can lead to children being swept away by the
strong currents. The loss of loved ones leaves families with a lifelong painful
memory, and this traumatic event becomes a black mark in their lives.
In addition to the loss of life, floods also lead to the destruction and loss of
property. When floods occur, many homes are submerged in water, sometimes
reaching roof level. This situation causes electronic appliances such as
refrigerators, televisions, radios, and washing machines to become damaged and
unusable. Victims are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and
their belongings must be discarded or burned. This situation is akin to the
Malay proverb, "already fallen, hit by a ladder," as victims are burdened with
high repair costs, which they cannot afford to manage in a short period.
For working residents, floods result in a loss of income. This is particularly
true for villagers who rely on agriculture and livestock farming for their
livelihoods. When the floods hit, their crops are destroyed, and their livestock
perishes. With no other source of income, they are forced to rely solely on aid
provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the government. Thus,
floods can severely impact a person's livelihood and future prospects.
Furthermore, flood victims also suffer from the damage caused to infrastructure
and public facilities in their villages. The fast-flowing river currents during
floods often cause the main bridge connecting villages to collapse. This
situation hampers the delivery of essential supplies such as food, medicine, and
clothing. Streetlights also stop functioning as underground cables become
submerged by rainwater. Roads are damaged, and in many cases, the ground beneath
the roads softens, causing large holes to form. Due to these infrastructure
damages, victims face various challenges after the floodwaters recede.
In conclusion, just as a beautiful rainbow follows every storm, flood victims
eventually find hope and recovery. They receive support from NGOs and the
government, which helps them sustain their lives until they are able to rise
again, standing tall and proud, without feeling inferior or doubtful. |
|
|
|
|
