TEMERLOH: In the closely-knit neighbourhood of Taman Mentakab Indah, near here, a lively atmosphere usually fills the air during the festive seasons.
Yet, housewife R. Parvathy finds herself juggling between Deepavali celebrations and sorrow.
This year, the usually vibrant festivities are muted, overshadowed by the recent floods that inundated her single-storey house, forcing her to spend about a week at the SK Desa Bakti temporary flood relief centre.
The floods, which had completely receded on Oct 18, were the fourth which have struck the housing settlement since 2021.
The potential flooding she may face as she anticipates the Northeast Monsoon season has dampened her festive spirits.
The 68-year-old, who lives with her elder sister and two sons, said she has not made any preparations for Deepavali this year, including cooking the traditional Indian snacks.
"It has been a tradition for all my children to gather at my place to celebrate Deepavali and I will usually stay up late to prepare their favourite dishes. There will be no such gathering this year... I might visit my daughter on Deepavali day but will remain at home if it rains.
"Frankly speaking, I am frustrated with the floods. My house has been hit four times since 2021... the entire house was submerged in 2021 and inundated in ankle-deep waters last week.
"Whenever it rains heavily, the entire neighbourhood will be worried about possible floods and when it rains at night, most of us will stay awake.
"During the floods on Oct 13, it started raining in the late evening before we were told to evacuate about 3am the following day when the water entered the house porch," she said when met yesterday.
Parvathy, who moved into the area in 2000, said she does not have much furniture at home except for some plastic chairs, bed sets, a sofa set and television.
"When floods hit in early 2021, my family spent about RM30,000 to renovate the house and buy new furniture but everything was gone in December that year when the entire house was submerged in water, with only the rooftops visible.
"Some claim that the monsoon drain near the settlement was clogged while others said it was due to the construction works nearby. I hope the authorities will step in to identify a long term solution as we cannot continue living in fear whenever it rains," she said.
Meanwhile, A. Chelammah, 72, said Deepavali was the last thing on her mind as she was still struggling to cope with the trauma after the recent floods.
"I am in no mood for any celebration. The weather has been uncertain and we do not know when the floods will hit... two weeks ago , I was forced to leave the house around midnight due to the floods.
"When I returned home, there was a lot of washing and cleaning to do. I have no strength to face another round of floods," she said.
Meanwhile, lorry driver M. Sathiaseelan said there will be no Deepavali celebrations this year as he will spend the holidays cleaning and repainting the house.
"The house was covered with muddy water during the floods, leaving yellow stains on some parts of the wall. I plan to repaint the house during Deepavali.
"Every year, during Deepavali celebrations, the entire neighbourhood will be lively with fireworks but this year the atmosphere has been quiet. i believe the recent floods have taken away the festive joy," he said.
Taman Mentakab Indah, which has about 23 Indian families, was among the worst-hit housing settlements, along with Kampung Batu Kapur, during the floods which hit the district between Oct 13 and 20.