JEDDAH: “You are liars, each time you promise to meet our needs, you come later to humiliate us.”

These cruel phrases were among many that a volunteer group faced recently from residents of Kilo 14 district following the Nov. 25 flash floods.

These attacks came after these residents were comforted with number of promises of food and furniture that they claim have not been fulfilled. Some residents are still living in muddy rooms without furniture.

When charitable aid arrives, residents cluster and overwhelm the volunteers, some of whom were seen breaking down in tears over the confusion and large number of resident in need.

“Some residents who are physically strong have been able to carry out heavy food boxes while others managed to take only bottles of water and other light stuff,” said volunteer Fatima Baazeem, who decided not to return to the area after her experience last week.

She complained about management, planning and supervision. For example, she said some families have received donations while others received only signs on their doors stating that volunteers had visited the home.

“There was a missing ring between the needs of the people and the aid carried in trucks,” said Baazeem. “How can you give a family of six a single blanket, and a thin mattress to place on muddy floors covered with tarps?”

Baazeem stressed that despite all obstacles the volunteers were trying their best to cooperate and work around the rules some claim have hampered their efforts.

For over a week the volunteering groups have been receiving donations from individuals only.

Yasir Asaad one of the organizers at Jeddah’s Al-Harithy Exhibition Center, the headquarters of the volunteer efforts, estimated that individuals provided 90 percent of the donations. But since his comments in the second week of December, the case now has changed with more companies getting involved in corporate philanthropy with cash donations and volunteers.

Jeddah Municipal Councilman Tariq Fadaaq said it has been difficult for volunteers to come up with organized plans because the whole experience of civic relief efforts is new to them.

Fadaaq added that it is still early to judge or evaluate the performance of concerned governmental and nongovernmental bodies.

“The committee, which was formed recently will identify the neglecting (individuals) and all officials will be questioned by the higher authorities,” he claimed.