KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 – Mercy Malaysia has responded to the worsening floods at the East Coast – Kelantan and Terengganu – since Monday.
Seventeen areas in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Johor have been inundated as of Monday, according to the Health Ministry.
“We have been preparing for the Monsoon Timur Laut with NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency) since last month. Since the heavy rains began last week, our teams are already on standby,” said Mercy Malaysia executive director Amran Mahzan in a statement.
As of yesterday, the humanitarian organisation had sent 300 hygiene kits and cleaning kits to Setiu and Besut; while three medical personnel were scheduled to be deployed by last night to Pasir Mas upon request by the Kelantan state authorities.
Over 1,000 families have been evacuated in Setiu and Besut, Terengganu since the floods began and the numbers are expected to rise over the coming week, with heavy rain continuing every day.
Meanwhile in Kelantan, the medical team will join the Mercy Malaysia field officers to conduct a mobile clinic for an estimated one week.
“During floods, people are forced to leave their homes in a hurry, and often do not bring their medications. Our mobile clinic will provide them with sufficient medications to last until they can return home,” added Amran.
“This is especially important for people suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.”
MERCY Malaysia also sought public support for its relief efforts as the East Coast braces for another three more waves of floods in the upcoming weeks according to predictions by the Meteorological Department.
