Mattresses and Blankets for Flood Victims in Gowa

Tzu Chi Makassar distributed 89 packages consisting  of mattresses and blankets in Tetebatu Village and Salekoa Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The aid recipients are grateful for the assistance provided by Tzu Chi.

Touched, that's how the flood victims felt in Salekoa and Tetebatu Village, Gowa Regency after receiving mattresses and blankets aid from Tzu Chi Makassar, Friday, February 1st, 2019. Ever since the floods hit on Tuesday (1/22), residents had been forced to evacuate for a few days before being able to go back home. After returning, they managed to stay at home with limited bedding because their mattresses, blankets, and almost all of their clothes were submerged in the flood.

One resident, Supriani Dg Paneng (35) said that since the flood, logistical assistance in the form of food has been more than enough. It's just that he and other residents were in need of sleeping mats.

"We have trouble sleeping, because the carpets and mattresses are all wet. Many have brought aid like noodles and rice. We're very thankful for the mattresses and blankets from Tzu Chi," she said with tears in her eyes.

Before leaving for the location of distribution, all volunteers including the Head of Tzu Chi Makassar, Lamsin Indjawati (right) tied and wrappped the mattresses that would be distributed to the residents.

Tzu Chi Makassar distributed 89 packages of mattresses and blankets. This assistance is distributed to two villages, 39 packages for Tetebatu villages and 50 packages for Salekoa Village. Assistance was brought directly by Tzu Chi volunteers.

Rahimi Daeng Rapi (22) said that during the flood, she and her family could not salvage their mattresses and blankets. They can only take the clothes on their backs and valuable documents with them.

"Water suddenly rose to the top of the frame, we could only save ourselves. Mattresses and pillows and blankets were all wet and some even drifted away. When Tzu Chi arrived and asking yesterday, I said those (the mattress and blankets) were most needed," she explained.

Henny Laurence helped residents lift the distributed mattress.

The flood that happened some time ago still leaves suffering for residents. Even now there are still residents, especially children who have flu, cough, fever, and diarrhea.

"Even now, if there is heavy rain, let alone children, even adults are traumatized. Moreover, back then the Bili-bili Dam was opened, so it was not because of garbage problem that caused flooding," said Bayu (50), an aid recipient.

Translated by Ilena Sevalona