All rain and no sunshine

The 2nd day of the year with a negative topic and I bet you all will be wondering why such a gloomy title. Well, rain seems to specifically like the geographical location I’m in and I don’t blame it of course. The state of Kelantan became famous in 2014, ever since the flood hit and the damage it caused was unforgettable. Kelantan became my second home every since I enrolled as a degree student in University of Malaysia, Kelantan (UMK), Jeli campus on 1st September 2014. Now I’m in my 3rd year and my finals are going on. Seriously, for the current weather you will not feel like studying except for hibernating. But it doesn’t happen since all of us always want to give our best. So, after all, the hard work we instantly hit the bed and forget the world.

On the New Year, we had to sit for a paper and the night before the exam, there was just too many news. Certain schools in Terengganu and Tanah Merah (a one hour journey from my campus) closed due to flood. Everywhere water level is rising and as far as it’s scary to witness it we still hold on tight hoping that nothing will happen. No one can stop Mother Nature’s doing, but we can sit back and relax and take in the situation as an experience. It may sound crazy but I think others have seen more that what I and my other friends in campus have seen. In my campus, the road to the girl’s hostel (Pinggiran UMK) is half way gone (closed now since it’s considered as a dangerous zone) due to the landslide caused by the continuous heavy rain and the road towards the boys’ hostel has sunk. To me, it’s minor since the exams are still going on as usual despite all the hurdles.

The way to boy's hostel.

The road leading to girl's hostel.

But the real warriors above all are those who were the victims of the 2014 flood. The students who were in my campus without electricity and water supply, the city campus (Pengkalan Chepa) students who had to walk to safety with the water level till their chest and not forgetting the people of Kelantan state especially those who had their own businesses had to face a big loss. Everyone who was present during the disaster was part of it and that is where I saw real courageous people who were positive enough to continue their life regardless of the damage the flood has done. Students too were able to overcome their trauma and continue studying in UMK. The management of the University did a good job in restoring back the city campus which needed most of the attention and also successfully sent back all the students who were here during the study week. Of course, gratitude should be extended to JPAM, Red Crescent Society (BSMM) and other government and non-government organizations who played their role in ensuring all the victim's safety.

The memory till now is fresh in everyone’s mind and now being a 3rd-year student I feel privilege being a UMK student since it has given me memorable experiences. For those who want have a new experience, then never think twice to step into UMK. At first, the distance from home mattered most but now the life lessons (especially survival skills) I ‘m gaining from time to time are much more important. Hopefully, it’s not too late to wish a happy new year and have a fantastic year ahead of everyone! Specially, to students of UMK let's be strong as always guys!

P.S – Current situation in Kelantan is quite bad (hopefully it won't become worst) as well as Terengganu. Please pray for this situation to subside soon. You get updates from Portal Ebanjir Negeri Kelantan as well.

This is the current situation in Kota Bharu.