KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27: Over 18,000 flood-hit Klang Valley residents have been evacuated from their homes following continuous rain since Dec 17.

The flood also made several roads impassable with many stranded overnight in their cars.

It is dubbed as Malaysia’s worst flooding in years.

Devotees of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Malaysia banded together from December 19 to 26, to prepare food aid for the flood victims.

In a statement, ISKCON said the society managed to distribute over 7,000 food packages.

“It was great to see such togetherness and unity amongst all the devotees and volunteers who prepared and packed the lunch for distribution over the 7 days period.

“The quick disaster relief service response by ISKCON Malaysia team was appreciated by all members of public with many singing praises for ISKCON Malaysia’s noble service,” said Sindhu Krishna Das Prabhu, who is the Co-Temple President of ISKCON Kuala Lumpur and the Food For Life Society Malaysia President.

“When I was out on the field distributing the vegetarian food, I saw how appreciative and grateful the multi-racial and multi-religious victims were. It shows a true unity spirit of Malaysians regardless of our background, colour or creed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rati Gopika Devi dasi, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur Co-Youth Head said: “The initiative brought the youth together, who relentlessly assisted the main cooks, and even cleaned up the kitchen right after the cooking happily.

“Everyone was feeling blissful. Many young volunteers from the community also thronged in to help out,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gokul Damodara Das Prabhu, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur’s Temple Commander, said: “I could not help feeling touched when he saw many stranded without food for more than a day.

“Distributing food is the highest service during such time of disaster.

“I was happy in leading the distribution operation throughout Klang Valley with my team,” Gokul, who charted the logistics and transportation to the most dire locations, said.

ISKCON Malaysia also thanked every devotee and volunteer who gave their time, energy and donations for this flood disaster relief effort.