KOTA BARU, Malaysia — Devastating floods induced by intense monsoon rains have resulted in over 30 fatalities and displaced tens of thousands across Malaysia and southern Thailand, authorities reported on Tuesday. Both nations are currently establishing shelters and devising evacuation strategies in anticipation of further heavy rainfall.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the country experienced five days of unexpectedly intense rainfall, particularly impacting the east coast, which equated to the amount of rain typically seen over a six-month period. The northeastern state of Kelantan along with the neighboring state of Terengganu faced significant devastation.
The relentless downpours caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads and homes in Kelantan and other affected regions. Rescue teams have been utilizing boats to deliver essential food supplies to residents stranded in their houses. Anwar projected that the government could incur about 1 billion ringgit (approximately $224 million) in costs to restore the damaged infrastructure due to the floods.
Although the torrential rain subsided over the weekend, weather experts from the Meteorological Department have predicted additional heavy rain later on Tuesday. Anwar mentioned that authorities are preparing for another impending monsoon system that is anticipated to arrive on Sunday.
As per the National Disaster Command Center, around 91,000 individuals across eight states are currently staying in schools, community centers, and relief facilities after being evacuated due to the flooding. This number has decreased from roughly 150,000 evacuees reported on Sunday, with about 88% of those displaced coming from Kelantan and Terengganu.
In Malaysia, at least six lives were lost, while the situation appears even more tragic in southern Thailand, where the death toll stands at 25. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Thailand stated that over 300,000 households have been impacted by the flooding, leading to the closure of numerous schools and 98 healthcare facilities. The health ministry reported that as of Monday, 34,354 evacuees were being housed in 491 government shelters.
Though water levels have begun to fall in several areas, authorities expressed caution about ongoing heavy rainfall forecasted through Thursday, which could increase the potential for flash flooding. Preparations are underway, with authorities organizing shelters, deploying water pumps, evacuation vehicles, and boats, while rescue workers remain on alert for the expected downpours.
The severe flooding has also adversely impacted tourism, prompting Malaysian officials to advise citizens to postpone any travel plans to southern Thailand, which is a favored holiday destination.
