Severe flooding triggered by days of torrential rain has displaced over 122,000 people across Malaysia, with disaster officials confirming three fatalities. Authorities warn the situation may worsen as heavy rains and storm warnings persist.
Emergency teams have been mobilized to assist with rescues, and 679 shelters have been set up to accommodate evacuees. Harrowing images and videos circulating online depict cars and homes submerged in floodwaters, with residents wading through waist-deep water to reach safety.
Kelantan, a northeastern state bordering Thailand, is the worst-hit region, accounting for 63% of those displaced. Other affected states include Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Johor, Melaka, and Perak.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office confirmed that additional relief supplies have been sent to the Kelantan and Terengganu state governments. To ensure an unwavering focus on managing the crisis, the Prime Minister has barred cabinet members from taking leave.
This year’s floods have already displaced more people than the catastrophic 2014 disaster, one of Malaysia’s worst in recent memory. The current monsoon season, which began in November, is expected to further intensify the situation.
Neighboring Thailand is also grappling with severe flooding, with six provinces declaring disaster zones and over 240,000 households affected. The Thai army has been deployed to assist with rescue efforts.
Flooding is a recurring issue in Malaysia during the monsoon season, but the severity and frequency of such disasters have risen in recent years. In 2021, floods claimed at least 14 lives, highlighting the growing challenge of disaster management in the region.
