Malaysia is grappling with severe flooding that has displaced over 120,000 residents and resulted in three confirmed deaths. The extreme weather, primarily affecting Kelantan, has prompted the establishment of emergency shelters and mobilization of rescue efforts. With fears of further impacts as storm warnings persist, neighboring Thailand faces its own disaster with significant household disruptions.
Severe Flooding Displaces Over 120,000 in Malaysia Amid Ongoing Storm Warnings
Severe Flooding Displaces Over 120,000 in Malaysia Amid Ongoing Storm Warnings
Heavy rains have led to catastrophic flooding across Malaysia, displacing thousands and raising concerns about fatalities as rescue operations continue.
The relentless heavy rainfall in Malaysia has resulted in extensive flooding, forcing over 122,000 individuals out of their homes. According to disaster officials, three lives have already been lost, and there are concerns that this number may increase as adverse weather conditions continue. Emergency services have mobilized thousands of personnel to rescue individuals trapped by rising waters, and numerous shelters have been established to provide refuge for those displaced.
Video footage depicts a harrowing scene of submerged vehicles and homes, with residents navigating through thigh-high waters. The most severely affected region is Kelantan, a northeastern state bordering Thailand, which has witnessed the majority of evacuations, making up approximately 63% of the total displaced population. The current crisis has now surpassed the displacement figures seen during the catastrophic floods of 2014.
In response to the unfolding disaster, the National Disaster Management Agency has set up 679 emergency shelters for affected individuals while aid packages are dispatched to the Kelantan and Terengganu state governments. In a decisive move, the Prime Minister has restricted leave for his Cabinet members to prioritize disaster management efforts.
Meanwhile, the situation is mirrored in neighboring Thailand, where six provinces have announced disaster declarations, impacting over 240,000 homes as authorities respond to the escalating situation with military aid for rescues.
Malaysia’s monsoon season, which typically starts in November, often results in flooding, with notable instances in 2021 marking one of the most severe flooding episodes in recent history, claiming at least 14 lives. As the nation faces another natural calamity, solidarity, and effective emergency responses remain critical for those affected.
