The torrential monsoon rains which fell over the course of several days in mid-December 2014 inundated many areas in Peninsular Malaysia, hitting the east coast states the hardest. It was the worst flood faced by our nation in four decades.

A year has passed; the monsoon season returns once again. And it’s the same age-old story unfolding. Waters rise – people seek shelter in nearby schools and civic halls. Waters subside – they return home.

It's the same story each year.

But those affected by the floods and devastation are not mere statistics. They are human beings, like you, with dreams, ambitions and aspirations.

Journalist Israr Khalid, together with photographer Shahir Omar and videographer Hairul Wildan travelled to Kelantan in early November 2015.

They returned with eight timeless and inspirational stories of perseverance, hope, and humanity overcoming despair in the face of tragedy and devastation.