PETALING JAYA: For the past four weeks, Edward Devadason has been coordinating relief efforts alongside 80 to 100 volunteers and donors in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam.
In his recent visits to the affected homes, he observed a need for mental healthcare and support among residents who survived the devastating floods on Dec 17.
“Many of them don’t know where to start. We need to provide more emotional support so they can begin rebuilding their lives,” says the 45-year-old social worker and academician.
According to him, although some of the survivors have had their basic needs met and have resumed working, their houses are still in a state of disarray.
“It’s like moving into a ‘new’ house. Imagine coming back after a hard day’s work to a home that has things [scattered] everywhere,” he says, pointing out that many of them require cabinets and other furniture.
Devadason recounts a conversation with a man in his 60s who worked as a Grab driver. “His car was damaged by the floods and he’s at a loss as to what he should do next. It’s really heartbreaking.”
He adds that there are many retirees and elderly people among the survivors, and that several families are still separated.
“Some have temporarily placed their children with relatives while their houses are being repaired. A lot of people are understandably distressed, anxious and depressed, and are in need of psychosocial support.”
Devadason is looking to collaborate with those who are able to provide guidance and services, and tells FMT he is in discussions with Care Warriors Association, a mental health NGO based in Subang Jaya.
“We definitely need more trained counsellors,” he stresses.
Rescue and relief
Devadason recalls that when the floods hit, a group of youths, including his son, expressed their desire to help.
“We got two boats and managed to distribute food to the survivors,” he says, explaining that he has basic training in disaster relief, and that they also had a medical team with them.
During the rescue effort, his instincts told him to investigate an area that was difficult to access. “It was pitch-dark, and we had to steer the boat carefully as there was a lot of debris around.
“We eventually heard a man crying for help. He and his brother had been stranded on a rooftop and hadn’t had anything to eat or drink all day.
“His brother had a huge wound on his leg, but thankfully, we managed to provide medical aid.”
Devadason later used social media to post about items and assistance needed by the flood victims and was pleasantly surprised by the response.
“There was an outpouring of support. Many people wanted to help; they just didn’t know how to go about it.
“We had people all over Malaysia sending us things, some from as far as Penang. Someone from Ipoh even sent a three-tonne lorry worth of goods,” he says, adding that he had asked donors not to send cash.
Devadason’s team also received help from a church, and a Buddhist, Sikh, and Hindu temple.
“It was really nice to see people of all faiths coming together. We received almost everything we requested. To date, we have accepted up to RM150,000 in goods.”
Surplus items have been redistributed to flood survivors in Pahang and Kelantan.
When it comes to helping others, Devadason stresses the importance of collaboration as “social work is not an easy task”.
“It’s great that a lot of people want to help, but it’s equally important to go about it the right way,” he says, pointing out that every flood victim’s requirements are different.
“There have also been a few instances where supplies weren’t distributed properly; some residents received too many of the same items, whereas those in the interior areas were neglected.”
An advocate of the “Kita Jaga Kita” spirit, he hopes to form a non-governmental organisation for social outreach and initiatives in the near future.
“Never hesitate to do good, because it is the right thing to do,” he adds.
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