Buntong Care Centre Residents Hit By Flash Floods Seek Urgent Help

IPOH, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Residents at a care centre run by the Sri Annapurani Alayam temple in Buntong are appealing to the public and relevant agencies for assistance after their premises were hit by a flash flood last Monday.

Temple staff member S GK Gayathri, 35, said the 45 residents, comprising families, children and orphans, are now facing hardship as nearly all their belongings were destroyed by flood waters. 

She said they urgently need mattresses, blankets, pillows, clothing, school bags and shoes, as well as rice cookers, wardrobes, disposable diapers and infant formula.

“The water rose very quickly, and we never expected floods in this area. In the nearly 16 years we’ve been here, nothing like this has ever happened.

“By the time we realised what was happening, the water level was already too high. We didn’t have time to save our belongings as we were more concerned about the safety of the children and elderly staying here,” she said when contacted by Bernama today.

Gayathri said the floodwaters reached around 1.6 metres, completely damaging furniture, mattresses, televisions, and various electrical appliances.

“Although initial aid has been received in the form of food, bottled water, and disposable diapers, it is still insufficient to meet the residents’ long-term needs. 

“We are now in urgent need of community support to help restore the centre. Many of the residents are children, and some are orphans who rely entirely on this care facility,” she said.

She added that the centre hopes more donors will come forward to offer either new or gently used items, including bedding and clothing.

“We deeply appreciate any assistance provided. At the moment, our priority is to ensure that all residents have comfortable beds and sufficient necessities,” she said.

Members of the public wishing to make contributions can reach Gayathri at 011-2646 4960.

Earlier, unusually heavy rainfall, exceeding 80 mm, was identified as the main cause of flooding in several areas of the Kinta district on Monday.

The upper reaches of Sungai Kinta and Sungai Pari experienced heavy rain, recording 83.5mm, causing Sungai Pari to overflow and flood low-lying areas in Manjoi, Buntong, Taman Hock Aun, and along Jalan Kuala Kangsar.

-- BERNAMA